Premier League GW26 - Arsenal vs Newcastle

Arsenal vs Newcastle | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Arsenal and Newcastle United engaged in a historic match at the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal looked to exact revenge. The atmosphere was heightened by recollections of a contentious match at St. James' Park, when Arsenal was trying to get closer to league leaders Liverpool. Newcastle faced a tough battle from an impressive Gunners team, keen to qualify for Europe.

Arsenal:

This match has developed into something of a resentment match in recent years, with Mikel Arteta's incredible outburst after Newcastle embarrassed Arsenal with a memorable comeback on this pitch in January and Anthony Gordon's contentious goal deciding this season's rematch at St James' Park. But there's more at stake than just bragging rights—Arsenal is keen to bounce back after watching title rivals Manchester City defeat Bournemouth 1-0. Starting this game, the Gunners trail City by four points and Liverpool, who are leading the standings, by five. Liverpool is not playing in the Premier League this weekend since they are playing in the EFL Cup final.

Newcastle:

After a poor winter, Newcastle, on the other hand, is anxious for a success to increase their hopes of qualifying for Europe. The Magpies have actually won their past five games in all competitions, but they had to rally for a point against Luton Town a fortnight earlier and needed a stoppage-time equaliser to save a draw against Bournemouth last week. If Eddie Howe's team wins, they'll move up to seventh position, four points behind Manchester United in sixth. If they lose, however, they'll fall behind teams like West Ham, Chelsea, and Wolves.

Line ups:

ARSENAL (4-3-3): David Raya; Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jakub Kiwior; Jorginho, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard; Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli.

ARSENAL SUBS: Aaron Ramsdale, Gabriel Jesus, Emile Smith Rowe, Eddie Nketiah, Cedric Soares, Leandro Trossard, Fabio Vieira, Reiss Nelson, Mohamed Elneny.

NEWCASTLE UNITED (4-3-3): Loris Karius; Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar, Sven Botman, Tino Livramento; Lewis Miley, Bruno Guimaraes, Sean Longstaff; Miguel Almiron, Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon.

NEWCASTLE UNITED SUBS: Jamaal Lascelles, Matt Ritchie, Harvey Barnes, Emil Krafth, Lewis Hall, Jacob Murphy, Joe Willock, Mark Gillespie, Dan Burn.

Emirates Stadium | Picture Credits: The FA

First Half: Arsenal's Relentless Assault - 2-0 Advantage:

The first few exchanges laid the groundwork for Arsenal's resolute quest for victory.

Newcastle's custodian, Karius, was put to the test in the eleventh minute as Rice fired a strong shot from the right that needed a stop at the near post.

In the eighteenth minute, Arsenal's relentless pressure paid off, and the Emirates erupted. After Saka's corner, Gabriel's header—deflected by Livramento and Botman—found the back of the net to give Arsenal a 1-0 lead.

With a masterfully planned goal in the twenty-fourth minute, Arsenal maintained their lead. Havertz calmly tapped home after Martinelli's opportune run and selfless play set him up. Arsenal's lead of 2-0 confirmed their superiority.

Arsenal wasted an opportunity to add a third goal, adding to Newcastle's problems. When Odegaard found himself through on goal, he chose to pass to Havertz rather than attempt a shot, giving Newcastle a lucky escape.

A wonderful combination combining Saka, Odegaard, and Martinelli nearly produced a third goal, demonstrating Arsenal's attacking brilliance. But Saka's cross just missed Martinelli's header over the crossbar.

With two goals in the first half, Arsenal was up. Even with Newcastle's tenacity, Arsenal's unrelenting attack demonstrated their superiority. Karius, the custodian for Newcastle, acted as a stopper to stop more harm. I wondered if Newcastle could pull out a comeback.

Second Half: Saka's Brilliance - Arsenal's 4-1 Triumph:

Saka's skillful play was the highlight of Arsenal's brilliant second half performance.

When Havertz and Karius went one on one in the 47th minute, Arsenal nearly won it when Havertz poked his strike wide. An opportunity to lead 3-0 was lost.

Saka made a lasting impression on the match's history in the 65th minute with a single masterpiece. Havertz took the initiative, regaining control and enlisting the help of Rice and Odegaard. After receiving the ball, Saka calmly checked Livramento and then fired a left-footed shot into the bottom-left corner. Arsenal quickly jumped out to a 3-0 lead.

In the 69th minute, Kiwior, rising at the near post, flicked Rice's corner, demonstrating Arsenal's mastery of set pieces. The ball passed through Miley's hand and into the net. Arsenal now had a 4-0 advantage.

In the 84th minute, Newcastle managed a late consolation. Willock, a former Arsenal player, headed Burn's cross into the top-right corner to make it 4-1.

Burn's goal-line clearance kept Arsenal's near-fifth goal alive in the final stages. The attempt by Smith Rowe was blocked, keeping the score at 4-1.

At the Emirates, the final whistle sounded, capping Arsenal's convincing 4-1 triumph over Newcastle. Arsenal's unrelenting attack sent a clear message about their intentions in the title fight. Arsenal's dominance was confirmed by Havertz, Kiwior, and Saka's single spectacular. Even after Willock's late rallying cry for Newcastle, the Gunners closed the gap on the league leaders. Newcastle suffered a blow, and the story of the Premier League went on.

Arsenal 4-1 Newcastle - A Commanding Display:

Arsenal's commanding performance affirmed their title hopes in a match with divergent goals. Saka's genius and a well-coordinated team effort ensured an overwhelming victory. Even with Willock's tardy reply, Newcastle struggled against Arsenal's constant attack. As the league narrative progresses, Newcastle regroups for the upcoming obstacles as Arsenal celebrates a crucial victory. The Emirates Stadium saw the conclusion of another exciting episode in the drama that is the Premier League.

Havertz scored a goal and doubled Arsenal's lead to 2-0 | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Saka's goal tripled Arsenal's lead to 3-0 | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Kiwior scored a goal which gave Arsenal a strong lead of 4-0 | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Willock scored a goal and broke the deadlock for Newcastle and tried to keep themselves in the match | Picture Credits: Premier League Website