Arsenal: 4 talking points from Newcastle win in Premier League

Arsenal secured a victory their brittle confidence desperately craved as goals from Mohamed Elneny and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang handed them a 2-0 Premier League success over Newcastle. Here are the talking points.

Mikel Arteta opted to make wholesale changes to his side from the one that lost 2-1 to Villarreal in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final tie, with only Martin Odegaard, Granit Xhaka and Dani Ceballos retaining their places.

It was a positive start from the visitors who saw the lion’s share of the ball for almost the entire afternoon, and unlike Arsenal have been unable to do throughout the season, they made their dominance count.

A first Premier League goal for Mohamed Elneny came after a neat passage of play, with the ball falling to the Egyptian who finished with aplomb on the half-volley.

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Arsenal: 4 talking points from Newcastle win in Premier League ahead of Villarreal in the Europa League

Untested by a meek Newcastle attack, the Gunners registered 13 shots in the opening 45 minutes in a fixture they were comfortably the better side in.

The second half was slightly more laboured from Arsenal but they got the second goal they needed to wrap the three points up after lovely work from both Gabriel Martinelli and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

A zinging cross from the Brazilian was met with equal grace from the captain, who got his customary goal against the Magpies to cement the confidence boosting win Mikel Arteta’s side needed ahead of Thursday.

Fabian Schar got himself sent off for a stupid late challenge, with the only downside for Arsenal being their torrid injury record continuing.

David Luiz Injury Hugely Damaging for Europa League

If anyone was dubious about what David Luiz can bring to this side, they need only watch the first half against Newcastle to have their questions answered.

The opening goal was borne out of the 34-year-old lofting a pass over the top for Hector Bellerin to run into, and his regularly accurate switches of play kept the opposition moving out of their shape.

It wasn’t some masterclass or exceptional display, but a perfect illustration of the progressive qualities that he offers. Therefore, his injury in the second half comes as another huge blow to Arsenal’s chances of navigating their way into the Europa League final.

A certain starter for that fixture if fit, the decision on who to field on Thursday becomes a tough one. All signs point towards Rob Holding returning into defence, although Calum Chambers showed composure once he moved into right centre-back – the latter offers better distribution on the ball.

In the end, however, Arsenal just can’t catch a break. This may well be Luiz’s last game for the club.