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Arsenal ease to dominant win over ineffective and winless Newcastle

Bukayo Saka - Arsenal ease to dominant win over ineffective and winless Newcastle - GETTY IMAGES
Bukayo Saka - Arsenal ease to dominant win over ineffective and winless Newcastle - GETTY IMAGES
  • Eddie Howe in the Newcastle dugout for the first time as visitors frustrate hosts during lacklustre first half

  • Two brilliant second-half goals from Saka and Martinelli break the deadlock as hosts canter to victory

  • Newcastle now without a Premier League win in 13 matches with huge matches against Norwich and Burnley to come

The wait goes on for Newcastle United, who have got all the way to the advent of the early Christmas decorations without a win in the Premier League and a reckoning of sorts awaits on Tuesday at St James’ Park for what could be one of the season’s defining moments.

The team with the richest football club owners in the world are poor in the currency that matters most: Premier League points.

Just six of them from the six draws in their first 13 games, a run so bad that only one team in Premier League history have gone so far without a win and survived, the Derby County of 2000/01. None of the other four to suffer the same fate had sovereign wealth funds waiting for them in January to help get them out of trouble, but Eddie Howe knows that it will take rather more than money alone.

The Newcastle United manager was on the touchline for the first time, after his Covid-19 recovery, and next faces Norwich City in his first home game in person on Tuesday. It is one that his side will have to win.

Howe was philosophical about this defeat to what he described as “one of the best teams in the league” and one could deduce from his team’s shape – deep, tight, narrow – that he had decided to risk it all on a defensive action. There were days when it might have worked against Arsenal, but their youngsters broke through Newcastle in the 56th minute, led by Bukayo Saka, the side’s exceptional player.

Gabriel Martinelli scores a wonderful, controlled volley first time to put the match beyond Newcastle - SHUTTERSTOCK 
Gabriel Martinelli scores a wonderful, controlled volley first time to put the match beyond Newcastle - SHUTTERSTOCK

The goalscorer had to be replaced shortly afterwards having felt “something muscular” in his leg, according to Mikel Arteta, and will be scanned on Sunday. Saka’s replacement, Gabriel Martinelli, scored a beautifully taken second goal shortly after arriving to smooth away the memories of that humbling at Anfield last week.

There is certainly something to be admired in this young Arsenal team, whose manager acclaimed their “patience and composure” as they wore down the Newcastle resistance.

For Howe, who has had to do so much of his coaching and planning remotely this week after his positive Covid test, the challenge immediately is to keep his players from succumbing to a self-fulfilling prophecy.

“We have some very good players here, and naturally we are lacking confidence having not won a game this season,” Howe said. “If we stay committed, it will come. The attitude of the players is very good.”

He had his complaints about a potential penalty for Callum Wilson, nudged by Nuno Tavares as he ran onto a sweetly struck Jonjo Shelvey through ball in the moments before the Martinelli goal. “The key moment,” Howe called it. “My live reaction was that I don’t understand why he [Wilson] would go down there.”

There did not even seem to be a review by the Var, Darren England. Referee Stuart Attwell waved play on, and it was not long before Martinelli hit Takehiro Tomiyasu’s cross from the right first-time and placed it beyond Martin Dubravka.

Howe was unhappy that many of the close refereeing decisions went against him, but he did not linger on it. He was out briskly afterwards for the post-match interviews and pushed back amiably on the gloomy prognosis for Newcastle’s season.

“My own experience helps me,” he said. “I know that nothing is finished until it is finished, and you can achieve remarkable things if you stay united and believe.” Indeed, Newcastle’s unsatisfactory start to the season has now fully morphed into the relegation fight that always threatened and, somewhere in the midst, what could be one of the most extraordinary January windows in Premier League history.

Never before has a club with so few points had so much money and potentially so few rival teams willing to sell them the players they need.

For the first half at least, Newcastle did manage to restrict Arsenal to a single notable chance – and what a chance it was, stroked against the post by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

If the Arsenal captain does little else on days like these, then it is to mop up the chances that fall to him in the right place at the right time.

It was made by a cross from Saka from the left, hit as he fell and headed goalward by Emile Smith Rowe. A save by Dubravka presented Aubameyang with the most simple of opportunities.

Matt Ritchie had done his very best against Saka, collecting a tactical booking along the way, but when finally the young England man switched to the left again in the second half, he and his team-mates isolated full-back Emil Krafth. Smith Rowe and then Tavares worked the triangle of passes and Saka was suddenly through, lashing a left foot shot past Dubravka and torpedoing the Newcastle game plan. The Martinelli goal came immediately after that Shelvey long ball and Wilson run. In the first half, Aaron Ramsdale had made a marvellous first half save from another good hit from Shelvey.

These are the moments that Howe was increasingly reliant on: something brilliant from amid the defensive shuttling and the keeping of the shape.

Against Norwich, one suspects that Howe will want his players to take control of the game and galvanise the support of a home crowd who feel a degree of optimism, despite results.

“It is difficult enough in the Premier League when you are fighting and scrapping for points,” Howe said, “so naturally everyone wants to get that first win as soon as possible. We have to look at our next game as an important game. They all are.”

The Saudi Arabia-led consortium financed by the kingdom’s Public Investment Fund will see Tuesday as a major day in the great project of whatever it is they are trying to achieve with Newcastle.

With their bright new manager introduced to the Geordie nation and a new era beginning, this is now a takeover that has to plan for all eventualities.

Only one club have survived without a win in their first 13 games, and in 2000 Derby had two more points than Newcastle have at the same stage.

It would be fair to say that there are none among their Premier League peers who would be sorry to see them go. That sense of adversity will no doubt be felt by the fans, as well as Howe and his new bosses.

As for his players, it remains to be seen just how they might react.

Their manager will at least be able to coach them in person from now on, and the stakes could hardly be higher.


Arsenal vs Newcastle: As it happened:


02:26 PM

FULL TIME: Arsenal 2-0 Newcastle

That's now 13 matches without a Premier League win for Newcastle. Arsenal are only out of the top four on goal difference and by the end of the weekend Newcastle could be eight points from safety.


02:23 PM

90 mins: Arsenal 2-0 Newcastle

This match is petering out and it's another poor weekend for Newcastle. They have two huge matches up next, both at home, against fellow bottom-three clubs Norwich and Burnley.


02:20 PM

88 mins: Arsenal 2-0 Newcastle

On the basis of today Eddie Howe has a huge challenge facing him at Newcastle. After the euphoria of the takeover reality is starting to bite - they are in a relegation dogfight and cannot hope to win matches by trying to hold teams and nicking one on the break. All their best players are in attack and it will be a surprise if, after this, Howe doesn't try and make Newcastle a more positive, front-foot side.


02:18 PM

86 mins: Arsenal 2-0 Newcastle

Saint-Mazimin has a shot well saved by Ramsdale, who, bar that great save in the first half, hasn't had much to do this afternoon.


02:17 PM

85 mins: Arsenal 2-0 Newcastle

Lacazette dances into the box and stays on his feet when others may have fallen. Dubravka forces him wide and the chance goes begging.


02:13 PM

Impact sub


02:12 PM

82 mins: Arsenal 2-0 Newcastle

A quick counter attack from Arsenal sees Martinelli with the ball at his feet - it's a two vs two and the substitute plays in Lacazette, whose shot from the left-hand of the box hits the side netting.


02:10 PM

80 mins: Arsenal 2-0 Newcastle

Tavares plays in an excellent early ball into the box, from the left, which Martinelli cannot control. Had the super sub been able to trap the cross it would likely have been 3-0 to the hosts.


02:09 PM

78 mins: Arsenal 2-0 Newcastle

Almiron gives the ball away and that sums up Newcastle's day in the Arsenal half - at 0-0 they looked defensively solid but throughout the match haven't looked nearly threatening enough.


02:07 PM

Sit back and marvel at this wonderful goal


02:06 PM

76 mins: Arsenal 2-0 Newcastle

Aubameyang is booked for a late challenge and it's his last contribution to the match as he's replaced by Lacazette. He'll probably still be wondering how he missed that chance from two yards during the first half.


02:05 PM

74 mins: Arsenal 2-0 Newcastle

Schar hits one from distance and it's deflected for a corner. Newcastle need to get into this match and a set piece is probably their best chance. The corner, however, isn't threatening and Arsenal can clear their lines.


02:03 PM

71 mins: Arsenal 2-0 Newcastle

The goal was actually Martinelli's second touch of the match not his first - still very impressive!


02:01 PM

69 mins: Arsenal 2-0 Newcastle

Smith-Rowe plays in Aubameyang whose toe poke is well saved by Dubravka.


02:00 PM

69 mins: Arsenal 2-0 Newcastle

Spaces are now opening up for the hosts - Newcastle have to take chances and get the ball to Saint-Maximin and Wilson, something they've struggled with so far this afternoon.


01:59 PM

Here's that Saka goal


01:56 PM

GOOOOOAAAAALLLL!!! Arsenal 2-0 Newcastle

What a goal from Martinelli with his second touch!

The sub makes a clever run down the inside right channel - Tomiyasu spots him and plays a crisp cross for Martinelli who hits it first time with a wonderful controlled volley. What an introduction!


01:56 PM

63 mins: Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle

Newcastle break and Wilson is in on goal, he falls under the challenge of Tavares. The Newcastle fans are convinced it's a penalty but it's not given. Looking at the replay, correctly so.


01:54 PM

62 mins: Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle

Partey has a go from outside the box, it's deflected for a corner. That gives the hosts a chance to replace Saka, easily their best player today, with Martinelli.

From the set piece Tavares flicks the ball on but the visitors eventually clear the danger.


01:51 PM

60 mins: Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle

Saka limps back onto the pitch, but he's soon down again and gesturing to be taken off.


01:49 PM

59 mins: Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle

Saka having scored the goal is now on the ground and struggling. He limps off the pitch, but not substituted (yet).


01:48 PM

57 mins: Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle

It took a bit of class from Arsenal to finally break Newcastle. And Newcastle fans look away now - Arsenal have won six and drawn one in matches they have scored first in.


01:45 PM

GOOOOOAAAAALLL!!! Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle

Saka with a great finish!

Finally Arsenal string some passes in the danger area - Smith-Rowe and Saka link up well on the left before they play in Tavares. He plays a delightful ball to the feet of the onrushing Saka who makes no mistake with a well-struck shot into the far corner from inside the box.


01:44 PM

53 mins: Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle

It's more of the same so far this half - Arsenal are seeing more of the ball but struggling to create any meaningful chances with it.


01:42 PM

51 mins: Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle

Saka floats in a lovely free kick but there's no Arsenal player to get on the end of it.


01:41 PM

50 mins: Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle

It's still early in the second half but there doesn't appear to be any increase in urgency from Arsenal.

As I type Saka comes inside off the right, and hits a low shot with his left that's well saved by Dubravka. That was more like it from the hosts - getting one vs one on the flanks where both Newcastle wing backs are on a yellow card.


01:39 PM

48 mins: Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle

Corner for Arsenal after Krafth clears away the danger. From the set piece the ball goes to the back post before Dubravka eventually claims.


01:37 PM

46 mins: Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle

Ritchie whips in a good ball which Gabriel does well to defend.


01:35 PM

45 mins: Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle

The match is back under way.


01:34 PM

The teams are back out

Arsenal need to get Odegaard on the ball more, and break the Newcastle shape.


01:31 PM

Here's that Aubameyang miss


01:21 PM

HALF TIME: Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle

It was a half of half chances and a gilt-edged chance for Aubameyang which the Arsenal star somehow contrived to miss. Newcastle have defended in numbers and made life tough for a ponderous Arsenal. Eddie Howe will be happy with what he's seen so far.


01:18 PM

45 mins: Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle

Another half-chance for the hosts - Tomiyasu crosses from the right and it's met by a first time shot from Smith-Rowe (who's coming more into the match) from outside the box. The shot is blocked by Krafth and Newcastle stay level.


01:16 PM

43 mins: Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle

Saka's been Arsenal's brightest star this half - he's the one trying to make something happen and taking on defenders. He drives into the box and forces a good tackle.


01:14 PM

40 mins: Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle

It should be 1-0 to Arsenal.

Saka does very well in the box on the left, gets in a great cross which Smith-Rowe heads towards goal. Dubravka makes a great save, but the ball falls to Aubameyang who, with the goal invitingly calling in the ball, manages to hit the post from all of two yards. That's the dictionary definition of 'it was easier to score than miss' ...


01:11 PM

39 mins: Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle

Newcastle continue to get numbers around the ball and frustrate the hosts. Arsenal are struggling to isolate Newcastle players one vs one and it's all too easy for the visitors.


01:09 PM

35 mins: Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle

Free kick for Arsenal in the final third on the right. Dubravka comes out and punches away from the danger. In the process, however, the Newcastle keeper collides with his own defender, Krafth, who is down for a few minutes. He's checked by the medical staff and after a break in play he's given the all clear and the match resumes.


01:06 PM

33 mins: Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle

Aubameyang has scored six times in five matches against Newcastle but we haven't really seen him so far. Arsenal need to increase the intensity and tempo - it's all too easy for the visitors to defend against so far.


01:02 PM

30 mins: Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle

Great save from Ramsdale!

Newcastle get forward with the ball breaking for Shelvey, 25 yards out. The midfielder hits it with bend and the Arsenal keeper adds to his growing reputation with a fine fingertip save.

From the corner the ball again breaks for Shelvey who again forces Ramsdale into a (regulation) save.

Oooooh, we have a contest now after a lacklustre opening 30 minutes!


12:59 PM

28 mins: Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle

Arsenal are passing the ball well but need to pick the tempo up - it's all bit predictable and lethargic at the moment. Tavares comes in off the left and hits it well over the bar from distance.


12:58 PM

26 mins: Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle

Corner for Newcastle following a rare foray into the Arsenal half. It's a good delivery which Schar heads just over.


12:57 PM

25 mins: Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle

It's more of the same at the Emirates - Newcastle are defending in numbers and making themselves tough to break down. Odegaard loses the ball on the edge of the area then Arsenal concede a free kick. The crowd are becoming frustrated - this is doubtless what Howe was after at the start of the match.


12:54 PM

22 mins: Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle

Arsenal continue to dominate possession - but Eddie Howe won't be too worried by what he's seen so far.

Eddie Howe - SHUTTERSTOCK
Eddie Howe - SHUTTERSTOCK

12:52 PM

20 mins: Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle

After a quiet first 15 minutes Arsenal are growing into the match.


12:51 PM

19 mins: Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle

Free kick for Arsenal just outside the D - great position from which Odegaard strikes a sweet left footed shot that was destined for the top corner, over the wall, until Dubravka makes a good save.


12:49 PM

17 mins: Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle

Tavares finds space for the first time this match and drives towards the box - nothing comes of it but there are some encouraging signs for Arsenal at the moment.


12:48 PM

15 mins: Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle

No sooner as I write 'there's not much to report' than Lokonga plays a delightful angled ball to the back post which Saka does well to get on the end of, stabbing the ball just wide. That's the first time the hosts have got in behind Newcastle today.


12:45 PM

14 mins: Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle

Still not much to report - Newcastle are happy to seat deep and Arsenal are passing the ball around well but it's all in front of the visitors and easy to deal with.


12:43 PM

11 mins: Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle

Arsenal are passing patiently but Newcastle continue to defend deep and Tavares is forced to take a shot from an angle and wins a corner.

From the resulting set piece the Dubravka comes and takes the ball cleanly - that will be a confidence booster for the returning keeper.


12:39 PM

8 mins: Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle

Newcastle are defending deep and in numbers. They are fine with Arsenal having the ball, making themselves tough to break down and attacking on the counter.


12:38 PM

6 mins: Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle

Newcastle's talisman Saint-Maximin hasn't got in the game so far, he collects the ball near the halfway line and overhits his pass to give the hosts a throw on.


12:36 PM

4 mins: Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle

Eddie Howe was 44 on Monday, a belated birthday present would be three points today - Newcastle have been on the back foot so far, but defending well with still no chances created.


12:33 PM

2 mins: Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle

For all the worry and furore following their defeat at Liverpool Arsenal were unbeaten in eight in the Premier League. They're passing the ball as you expect Arsenal side to, no chances yet, though.


12:31 PM

1 min: Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle

We're under way at the Emirates - both sides need a result on a cold, wet and windy day in London.


12:26 PM

Newcastle haven't won at Arsenal since...

...2010.

Can they experience a rare win in north London this afternoon? We're about to find out...


12:20 PM

Here's the Newcastle XI in black and white

NEWCASTLE XI TO FACE ARSENAL: Dubravka, Schar, Lascelles, Krafth, Ritchie, Fraser, Shelvey, Willock, Saint-Maximin, Joelinton, Wilson

Replacements: Darlow, Clark, Lewis, Hayden, Hendrick, Manquillo, Murphy, Almiron, Longstaff

Martin Dubravka returns in between the sticks, with Emil Krafth and Ryan Fraser both in for Ciaran Clark and Jacob Murphy.

Martin Dubravka starts for Newcastle today - WILL MATTHEWS
Martin Dubravka starts for Newcastle today - WILL MATTHEWS

12:17 PM

Eddie Howe speaks...

On returning to the dugout having been in isolation for last week's match...

"I am delighted to be back, last week was a surreal experience. We didn't quite get the result we wanted but hopefully we can go one better today."

On his initial impressions since joining Newcastle...

"I have seen encouraging signs since arriving, and I am positive about the future."

On facing a wounded Arsenal after their 4-0 defeat at Liverpool...

"Every team have points to prove, we do too we have to show we are up for the fight."


12:12 PM

Lots of support for the Rainbow Laces campaign at the Emirates today

The Gay Gooners the Arsenal Supporters Group - GETTY IMAGES

12:05 PM

Mikel Arteta speaks...

On what we wants from Arsenal today...

"We have to show that we are still hurting [from the 4-0 defeat at Liverpool]."

On Odegaard coming in for Lacazette...

"We have a busy schedule coming up so will have to change the side."

On today's clash against Newcastle...

"It is going to be a challenge, every game in the Premier League is...we expect a tough game."


12:02 PM

Here's the Arsenal side in black and white

ARSENAL XI TO FACE NEWCASTLE: Ramsdale, White, Gabriel, Tomiyasu, Tavares, Lokonga, Partey, Smith Rowe, Odegaard, Saka, Aubameyang.

Replacements: Leno, Tierney, Lacazette, Maitland-Niles, Holding, Pepe, Elneny, Nketiah, Martinelli

So Arteta has made just the one change from the side beaten 4-0 at Anfield - Martin Odegaard in for Alexandre Lacazette, who drops to the bench.

Odegaard starts today - GETTY IMAGES
Odegaard starts today - GETTY IMAGES

11:52 AM

Fears of empty seats at the Emirates today

This just in from our man at the ground, Sam Dean...

There are fears that thousands of seats could be empty for Arsenal’s match against Newcastle today after Storm Arwen caused travel chaos across the country.

On Friday the Met Office issued a rare red warning, the highest level, as people in areas of the north east were urged to avoid travelling.

LNER stopped trains running beyond Newcastle on Friday evening as it advised customers against travelling this weekend.

Cancellations and delays to the trains are expected to severely disrupt the Newcastle supporters who are still attempting to travel to the Emirates, if not prevent them from attending at all.


11:50 AM

So today sees...

...Eddie Howe in the dugout as Newcastle manager for the first time. His side are bottom of the table and for all the excitement at having new owners (and relief at the departure of Mike Ashley) and dreams of mixing it with the big boys the fact is that the side's immediate concern is to avoid relegation. Newcastle have six points. they haven't had any clean sheets, have conceded the most goals and are already, in November, five points from safety. Howe enters the dugout, following his Covid scare, under pressure to turn things around sooner rather than later.

Eddie Howe
Eddie Howe

11:44 AM

Here's a stat

Arsenal have never lost a home Premier League match against a side bottom of the table...


11:43 AM

Here be Newcastle


11:42 AM

Here's the Arsenal XI


11:38 AM

Arteta calls for response to defeat at Liverpool

Mikel Arteta has admitted Newcastle's riches will force the rest of the Premier League to react to the emergence of another potential powerhouse.

The Magpies' new owners, who have the backing of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, have big plans for the ailing Tyneside giant, which spent much of previous owner Mike Ashley's 14-year reign treading water.

Having seen the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City revitalised by huge cash injections in recent years, Gunners boss Arteta is aware of what Newcastle, who head for the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, could become and what that would mean for their competitors.

He said: "It's going to raise the level, for sure, because the ambition, first of all, at the club, it will be there and when the ambition is there, then normally the club is going to make decisions to fulfil those ambitions and then the level is going to rise.

"That's the beauty of this league. What happens is bringing in new players, improving even the way we sell the product of the Premier League on a much broader level has a consequence that we are in the best league in the world and we have the best managers and the best players, the best facilities and that's part of it."

Asked if Arsenal and their counterparts would have to respond to that, Arteta added: "Absolutely, and the demands will be better, so we have to be better and we have to find the right resources and ideas and commitment to go another step forward."

Newcastle's brighter future - in the short term at least - could depend on their ability to drag themselves out of a dreadful start to the new season which has seen them win none of their first 12 games, a run which has thrust them once again into the midst of a relegation scrap.

They last won at the Emirates in 2010 and, while Arsenal will run out still smarting from last weekend's 4-0 drubbing at Liverpool, the odds will be heavily stacked against them.

Arteta is expecting much more from his players this time around after a few home truths were aired in the dressing room at Anfield.

He said: "We needed more from the team at the weekend when the game changed. We had a period of 15, 20 minutes in the second half when we struggled and the game just got away from our hands.

"It's not something about individuals, it was about the collective."