Arsenal returned to the Premier League from a chastening midweek in Portugal and did what they’ve been doing to league opponents, piledriving Newcastle United 4-1 at the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta was very upset with his Gunners’ performance in Arsenal’s 1-0 setback to Porto in a UEFA Champions League last 16 first leg at midweek, saying ‘if you cannot win it, don’t lose it’ and dealing with questions about his side’s naivete, but they responded with vigor.
Arsenal scored twice in each half, a Newcastle own goal joined by Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, and Jakub Kiwior goals in a true demolition of a team that entered on a four-match unbeaten run.
WATCH ARSENAL vs NEWCASTLE FULL MATCH REPLAY
The Gunners’ spectacular run now includes a combined 25-3 goal differential in wins over Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, Liverpool, West Ham, Burnley, and Newcastle.
Arsenal move one point back of Man City and two behind Liverpool in this intoxicating Premier League title race.
Joe Willock came off the bench late to score against his old team, heading a Dan Burn cross over David Raya. Newcastle sit eighth with 37 points, just two above the bottom half.
Jorginho thrives as Arsenal’s bounce back exposes poor Newcastle set-up
Newcastle is without the majority of its midfield steel as Joelinton recovers from injury and Sandro Tonali serves a long suspension for gambling offenses.
The Magpies have gotten through those absences because teenager Lewis Miley has performed beyond his years, Bruno Guimaraes is world class, and Sean Longstaff has pitched in the odd goal (Joe Willock made an argument for minutes with his late goal).
Arsenal absolutely exposed the Magpies midfield — and backs — on Saturday, which shouldn’t be a surprise considering the quality represented by Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, and Jorginho.
We wondered last season why Mikel Arteta didn’t turn more often to Jorginho, the old hat whose won just about all there is on offer. He had well over 100 touches to pace all players and nearly completed 100 passes on the day. He sent 12 balls into the final third.
While Thomas Partey will soon return, Jorginho’s made his case. Hopefully his cramps at the end of the game are just usage-related and not a sign of an injury. And 90 minutes versus two of Partey, Jorginho, and Rice sounds akin to soccer hell for the vast majority of Premier League teams.
Jorginho stats for Arsenal versus Newcastle (fotmob.com)
Jorginho stats for Arsenal versus Newcastle (fotmob.com)
What’s next?
Newcastle go to Championship side Blackburn on Tuesday in the FA Cup fifth round, then host Wolves at 10am ET Saturday.
Arsenal have a rare eight days off before visiting Sheffield United at 3pm on Monday, March 4.
Arsenal vs Newcastle United: How to watch, start time, live stream link
Kickoff: 3 pm ET, Saturday
TV Channel: Peacock
Online: Stream via Peacock Premium
Arsenal vs Newcastle United live updates — By Nick Mendola
Arsenal vs Newcastle United final score: 4-1
Goal: Botman (o.g. 17'), Havertz (24'), Saka (65'), Kiwior (70'), Willock (85')
Arsenal vs Newcastle United player ratings (fotmob.com)
Arsenal vs Newcastle United player ratings (fotmob.com)
Arsenal vs Newcastle United player ratings (fotmob.com)
Joe Willock goal — Arsenal 4-1 Newcastle (84th minute)
It’s a terrific header for Joe Willock, who somehow loops Dan Burn’s bullet cross over a leaping David Raya.
No celebration, of course, but Willock will hope this is his path back to starting now that he’s healthy again.
Jakub Kiwior goal — Arsenal 4-0 Newcastle (70th minute)
The big Polish defender turns a corner kick on goal, and the ball turns yet again off Lewis Miley to put Loris Karius in a tough spot.
Bukayo Saka stays hot — Arsenal 3-0 Newcastle (65th minute)
A terrible giveaway from an out-of-sorts Sven Botman winds up with Bukayo Saka 1v1 on the right side with Tino Livramento.
Saka cuts him up, the spins a shot toward the far post that Fabian Schar can’t block.
Halftime! Arsenal 2-0 Newcastle
The Magpies had a late few minutes of decent time in Arsenal’s third but this could and maybe should be a three- or four-goal game in favor of the hosts.
Arsenal are bossing the midfield, which we supposed shouldn’t be a surprise given it’s a Norway captain, former Italy captain, and future England captain against a Brazil star, a (very promising) academy teenager, and a local sparkplug who isn’t renowned for his technical skill in possession.
Declan Rice and Jorginho have been terrific and David Raya thwarted a Miguel Almiron breakaway when Newcastle threatened to narrow the gap.
It would’ve been white flag territory on another day, as Eddie Howe’s 4-5-1 out-of-possession alignment did very little for 40 of the 45 minutes. Howe could look to Harvey Barnes, Jacob Murphy, and/or ex-Gunners mid Joe Willock to try and shake up the second half.
Gunners double lead through Havertz — Arsenal 2-0 Newcastle (24th minute)
Jorginho sends a delicious pass over the top of the defense, and Gabriel Martinelli takes the ball down toward the end line.
Martinelli cuts the ball to the top of the six for a late arriving Kai Havertz to rocket home.
Not an appealing look for Newcastle.
Sven Botman own goal — Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle (17th minute)
Loris Karius is in for an ill Martin Duravka, and Newcastle’s keeper makes a fine save off Gabriel Magalhaes on an Arsenal corner.
The ball pinballs a bit until it bounds off a prone Sven Botman and into the arms of Karius... who is now completely behind the line.
1-0 to a deserving Gunners side.
Arsenal lineup
🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 24, 2024
Just the one change from midweek ⏳
Let's make it count, Gunners 👊 pic.twitter.com/GIXdeu46fX
Newcastle lineup
HOWAY NEWCASTLE! 💪#ARSNEW // #NUFC pic.twitter.com/gCupf2b3n9
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) February 24, 2024
Arsenal focus, team news
Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice were both good in the loss to Porto, and neither have had many bad appearances let alone bad streaks this year. Saka has 12 goals and seven assists this PL season.
OUT: Oleksandr Zinchenko (calf), Takehiro Tomiyasu (undisclosed), Jurrien Timber (torn ACL - out for season) | QUESTIONABLE: Gabriel Jesus (knee), Thomas Partey (thigh)
Newcastle focus, team news
Bruno Guimaraes has been the Magpies’ best performer this year and Kieran Trippier’s received plenty of praise as he fights to lead the Premier League in assists, but spare a thought for the continued exceptional performances from major bargain Fabian Schar.
OUT: Sandro Tonali (suspension), Callum Wilson (shoulder), Joelinton (thigh), Nick Pope (shoulder), Matt Targett (thigh), Elliot Anderson (back) | QUESTIONABLE: Alexander Isak (groin), Joe Willock (achilles)
