Arsenal closed the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool to two points by thumping Newcatle.

An own-goal from Sven Botman after 18 minutes set Arsenal on their way and they never looked back.

Kai Havertz made it 2-0 before the break and the Gunners did not let up in the second-half.

Bukayo Saka got in on the act by scoring third and Jakub Kiwior popped up with a rare goal to complete the 4-1 win.

Simon Collings was at Emirates Stadium to see Arsenal in action...

David Raya 6

Out quickly a few times to shut down balls played over the top. Beaten by a good header by Joe Willock.

Ben White 7

Looks fully fit again and it shows. Overlapped a lot and tucked into midfield, too. Finding form at a key time for Arsenal.

William Saliba 6

Had a fairly comfortable night’s work, especially in the first-half. Kept Alexander Isak quiet.

Gabriel 6

Unlucky not to open the scoring, but his header was eventually turned home by Botman. Finished the game as captain.

Jakub Kiwior 7

A good performance from the Poland international, who has now started the last four games. Scored Arsenal’s fourth with a header at the near-post.

Martin Odegaard 8

Pressed the Newcastle defence like a man possessed. Played some great passes in and around the box, but perhaps guilty of over-playing at times.

Jorginho 9 | Star player

What a majestic performance from the Italian. Played at the base of midfield and ran the show. Feels like he will be vital for Arsenal during the run-in.

Declan Rice 8

Pushed further forward and was excellent. Brought energy to the midfield and carried the ball so well.

Bukayo Saka 8

Another flying performance from the winger, whose corner led to the opening goal. Scored Arsenal’s third with a great finish.

Kai Havertz 8

Scored Arsenal’s second by finishing off a slick move. Setup the third and linked the play well all night. Did miss a great chance early in the second-half, though.

Gabriel Martinelli 8

After a poor performance on Wednesday in Porto, the Brazilian was electric. Setup the second goal and caused chaos out wide.

Substitutions

Leandro Trossard (Martinelli 63’) 6

Came on to play out left. A fairly quiet 30 minutes.

Emile Smith Rowe (Odegaard 76’) N/A

Reiss Nelson (Saka 76’) N/A

Eddie Nketiah (Havertz 76’) N/A

Mohamed Elneny (Jorginho 89’) N/A

Subs not used: Ramsdale, Cedric, Vieira, Jesus