Second Half

Two substitutions were made at half time, one for either side and both proved key to the outcome of the game. Lascelles, struggling with injury, came off for Clark who switched positions with Fernandez to occupy left centre back as the Argentine took Lascelles’ spot.

Emery subbed out the youngster Guendouzi for the more experienced Torreira in a tactical change. The difference throughout the 2nd half was clear. Whereas Guendouzi was passing tidily, him dropping deep allowed Diame and Hayden to press higher and take pressure off the Newcastle backline. Torreira brought a new dimension to Arsenal as he was adeptly sweeping danger from deep but also carrying the ball forward to initiate attacks for Arsenal.

The payoff was almost instant as 5 minutes into the half a Torreira ball found Aubameyang, who was fouled by Fernandez for the freekick that would lead to the opener.

Arsenal controlled the game from that moment onwards as Torreira’s protection allowed Ozil and Xhaka to move further forward. Those two, alongside Ramsey, pinned Diame and Hayden back into a deeper block than when Guendouzi was on the pitch.

Newcastle struggled to impose themselves on the game in the second half because of Arsenal’s change. Diame and Hayden were occupied defensively with Ritchie, Murphy, and Ayoze struggling to keep possession.

In truth, Arsenal’s shape was still vulnerable as Ozil and Xhaka were higher up but Newcastle lacked the passing quality to find open channels for their front 4, despite Joselu and Ayoze dropping deep to help win the ball back.

Introducing Muto and Kenedy did make a slight difference. The Brazilian recovered from a bad corner and dispossession to provide a new outlet in attack with both he and Muto showing smart passing and decision making in the moves that lead to the Joselu chance and later Clark’s goal.