Arsenal v Newcastle LIVE: Result and reaction from Premier League as Saka scores in big Gunners win | OneFootball

'Cruel' to judge Arsenal's Champions League knockout return on last-gasp Porto defeat, Arteta says

Arsenal doled out another devastating Premier League defeat as they cruised past Newcastle to move two points off the top of the table. Having thrashed West Ham and Burnley away from home, the Gunners returned to the Emirates Stadium where they easily dispatched of Eddie Howe’s side, winning 4-1 in Saturday’s late kick-off.

A Sven Botman own goal set them on their way before goals from Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Jakub Kiwior rounded off another fine display from Mikel Arteta’s men, although the returning Joe Willock’s late header ruined another clean sheet.

The win, coming on the back of a galling late loss in their Champions League last-16 clash with Porto on Wednesday, moves them to within two points of leaders Liverpool and just a point shy of Manchester City in second place.

Their recent run of free-scoring performances, winning their last three games at an aggregate of 15-1, also means Arsenal boast the best goal difference in the division.

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Arsenal tear Newcastle’s plan to pieces to claim the sweetest revenge

Kieran Trippier pointed at Fabian Schar. Fabian Schar pointed to Loris Karius. Loris Karius pointed to Tino Livramento. Everyone pointed at Sven Botman. Bruno Guimaraes kicked something in red, just for something to do. On the touchline, Eddie Howe stood with hands on hips. Over Howe’s shoulder, Jason Tindall stood with hands on hips, whispering in Howe’s ear. Newcastle’s plan was in pieces. Thrashed by Arsenal, this was no contest.

Yet Arsenal were outstanding. Mikel Arteta’s side took the hurt of Wednesday night’s defeat in Porto and the frustration of November’s defeat at St James’ Park to move two points off top with their sixth Premier League win in a row. Under the lights at the Emirates, Arsenal were intense and ferocious, their work and effort off the ball in pressing Newcastle into submission only matched by the quality and precision of their attacking play. Bukayo Saka’s weaving third after the hour-mark belatedly gave Arsenal some breathing space following an opening 45 minutes of utter domination.

It was clear just how much Arsenal enjoyed this; Arteta’s side didn’t just beat Newcastle, they destroyed them. In the evisceration, Martin Odegaard turned and roared after chasing Guimaraes into his own box and sending the Brazilian crashing to the turf as he blocked his clearance, such was Arsenal’s desire for the game to be played exclusively in the Newcastle half. Last season, when Newcastle possessed the league’s best defence, capable of arriving at the Emirates and shutting out the hosts, such a fixture may have suited them. But Newcaslte are not the same side - and the excuse of their injury crisis is wearing thin.

Luke Baker24 February 2024 22:06

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Kai Havertz reacts to Arsenal win

Speaking on TNT Sports, Kai Havertz said: “It was very important to win today. We had a tough game on Wednesday, we wanted to win today and I think we deserved it.

“I’ve known Jorginho a long time and it’s always nice to play with him. We know each other well, it makes life easy for me. He’s a world-class player.

“It’s nice to play here, the fans give us so much energy, they are so important for us and showed it again today. It gave us a big boost.”

Bukayo Saka added: “I’m happy with another goal and happy to win, most importantly. I’m working hard every day on the training ground and giving my best. I’ve got great teammates giving me good passes which helps!

“We’ve got a lot of quality going forward, it’s starting to click, we’ve got confidence and the chemistry is building.”

Luke Baker24 February 2024 22:04