Arsenal Vs Newcastle United: 5 things we learned – A winning return

1. Mikel Arteta era starts here?

There was a celebratory mood about the Emirates in the second half. After an underwhelming first 45 minutes, Arsenal started to fly after the break, scoring four goals in a fluent display of vibrant attacking football, a suffocating high press, and the dynamism and creativity of a well-balanced midfield.

Bukayo Saka was superb, Nicolas Pepe scored one and assisted two, Alexandre Lacazette came on and played a key role, assisting one and then breaking his goalscoring duck, while Mesut Ozil even got on the scoresheet, the first time since April. And in the midst of it all, of course, Pierre-Emerick got his customary goal.

This was a superb second-half performance from the Gunners, and it certainly felt like the beginning of a new era. Mikel Arteta spoke at length about the work he and his players put in during the two-week break. And this was the result of that work.

Arsenal now have hope, for the remainder of the season and beyond. The Arteta era starts here, I think…