Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain says Arsenal’s focus was a catalyst for the victory at Newcastle United on Saturday.

The England international was heavily involved in the game’s deciding goal, firing in a low shot that Fabricio Coloccini diverted past his own goalkeeper.

Newcastle had earlier had Aleksandar Mitrovic sent off after just 16 minutes but produced a spirited rearguard display to stifle much of Arsenal’s attacking play.

"Newcastle are a very good side, especially at home with the fans, so it’s a tough place to come to"

“It’s not an easy place to come to,” Oxlade-Chamberlain reflected at full-time. “Newcastle are a very good side, especially at home with the fans, so it’s a tough place to come to.

“Sometimes it’s almost harder to play against 10 men, because you have to keep the same focus as when it’s 11 against 11 and try to make sure you play the same way. Sometimes that can be hard and that’s what we found today.

“I felt a little bit off the pace. The last time I started a match was three weeks ago and you can lose a bit of match fitness in that time.

“That’s what I felt like today. In spells I showed what I can do but overall I think I was a little bit off the pace.

“But that comes with a run in the team and playing more matches so I’m sure I’ll be able to get back to my full match fitness in no time at all.”