Arsenal 2-0 Newcastle: Gabriel Martinelli scores just SECONDS after coming on with a stunning volley to add to Bukayo Saka's opener as Gunners pile more misery on Eddie Howe and winless Newcastle
- Arsenal made it five home games unbeaten as Mikel Arteta's side swept aside Newcastle on Saturday
- Bukayo Saka opened the scoring with a thunderous left-footed strike past Magpies keeper Martin Dubravka
- Second half substitute Gabriel Martinelli scored a sumptuous volley just seconds after his introduction
- The result piles more misery on Newcastle who remain winless in a miserable afternoon for Eddie Howe
- It was the new Newcastle boss' first touchline appearance since taking over from Steve Bruce this month
Nothing lifts the soul as much as young players celebrating their talents with a touch of swagger and a smattering of confidence. As such, Arsenal can be an unexpected joy at times. To be clear, against the very best, this team will likely be swept away, as they were against Liverpool last weekend.
But on their day, against poorer sides, the sight of Buakyo Saka weaving his way through defenders, Emile Smith Rowe subtly connecting the team and substitute Gabriel Martinelli euphoric as he nails a delightful finish, is enough to suggest they may be stumbling on a strategy at the club.
This was a victory for the youth club. Schooled by Liverpool last week, Mikel Arteta stuck by his young men and was rewarded. 'You have to trust them and give them confidence after difficult moments,' said Arteta, himself a novice in his profession. 'If not, it's not real trust.'
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Quite so. Having pinned their colours so firmly on their young players, mainly through necessity, it helps when you moments like Saka's goal on 56 minutes. There was Smith Rowe, 21, at ease in possession, touching a pass to Saka, 20. Here was Nuno Tavares, 21, ready to receive the ball from Saka and then play a delightful return pass through the Newcastle defence for his team-mate to run on to. Finally, there was Saka to finish emphatically from a tight angle to secure the breakthrough.
And when Saka had to go off injured, on came Martinelli, 20 years old. Within a minute he had scored a wonderful goal, with Smith Rowe finding right back Takehiro Tomiyasu, 23, who chipped a delightful first time ball over the Newcastle back four and into space. Even more exquisite was the Brazilian's finish. With the ball dropping over his shoulder, he kept his eye on the ball and lifted it first time over the head of Martin Dubrovka. Add in the odd heroic save of Aaron Ramsdale, 23, and you can see why they think they're on to something at Arsenal.
'I thought they needed another chance and they've done it today,' said Arteta, who had suggested his team had been naïve against Liverpool last weekend. 'They showed during the week how they were hurt during the week and how eager they were to put it right today
That is how the Mikel Arteta vision is supposed to unfold. For Tavares, who has spent last weekend struggling to double mark Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah, it was especially gratifying. This was a much more benign afternoon. Incisive runs forwards is what he's in the team for and here he was delivering. Whether the callowness and enthusiasm of youth will be enough to return Arsenal to the elite is a moot point. For now, progress is being made.
As for Newcastle, Arsenal fans perhaps put it best. 'You're rich and you're not meeting the standards one might expect by a team bankrolled by the Saudi state,' they sang. Words to that effect, anyway, but a bit punchier and pithier.
With Eddie Howe finally in the touchline after missing his opening match in charge with Covid, they were playing a 4-4-2 formation when out of possession.
With Dubravaka back in goal, they had solidity and clearly had a plan. The actual eleven players on the pitch contained a raft of attackers. The shape though suggested they should be only deployed very occasionally. So it was rare to see Allan Saint-Maximum freed for his duties of tucking in and tracking back on the left.
Such is Newcastle's dilemma. They head into December still without a win. Howe will be painfully aware that they're not good enough defensively to stay up and there are a lot of games to be played before the January transfer window. Yet they need to break free from the shell to harness their attacking threat in order to win games. Otherwise, the Saudi state is about to be accustomed to the charms of Blackpool, Luton and Hull. It will be intriguing to see how often chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan deigns to visit when the world's richest team is playing in the Championship.
'I think my own experiences help me in the sense that I know nothing is finished,' said Howe. This is a man who inherited a Bournemouth side on the verge of financial liquidation and one game way from slipping out of the league and took them into the Premier League. 'You can achieve some remarkable things if you all believe and all stay united. I have seen enough from the team to know we can compete. If you were a neutral watching today's game you wouldn't think we are in the position we are in.'
Howe felt the turning point was a nudge from Tavares on Callum Wilson in the penalty area at 1-0. 'I don't know why Callum would go down there,' pleaded Howe. Probably because he had calculated he had slightly overrun the ball and a penalty was the best chance of redeeming the situation. It might have been given but you couldn't complain too much that it wasn't. Arsenal immediately scored their second from the next passage of play and that finished Newcastle.
Howe had a better point in suggesting his team competed well at times. Until that 56th minute goal, Arsenal had been struggling to break down a solid Newcastle side, well organised and assiduous. Newcastle might even have taken the lead but for the ever-impressive Ramsdale on 29 minutes. Emil Krath's cross was cleared by Thomas Partey and fell to Jonjo Shelvey. He curled a delightful shot from 20 yards out that was heading top corner of the net until Ramsdale intervened.
Arsenal weren't helped by what might go down as the miss of the season from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the first half. Saka's cross on 42 minutes was met by Emile-Smith Rowe's header, which was saved by Dubravaka. He could only push it out to Aubameyang, lurking three yards out. Casually he connected with the ball, but somehow, with neither keeper nor defender to beat, directed it on to the outside of the post.
Still, Newcastle's luck wouldn't hold. And if they can't record a first win of the season against Norwich on Tuesday or Burnley next weekend, then Al-Rumayyan can start checking out whether they take private jets at Luton Airport. Nice and convenient for Kenilworth Road.
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Re-live Sportsmail's live coverage of Arsenal 2-0 Newcastle brought to you by OLLIE LEWIS.
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Ollie Lewis Host commentator
Stuart Atwell calls an end to the game as Arsenal make it five home games unbeaten while Eddie Howe has an afternoon to forget in his first touchline appearance for Newcastle.
90+6 mins: Newcastle with a chance for a consolation from the corner but Ramsdale punches clear.
90+2 mins: Martinelli is fit to finish the game off here.
90+1 mins: Four minutes added on here at the Emirates as medics attend to Martinelli.
90 mins: Martinelli looks to add a second goal to his tally but Lascelles comes across and knocks the youngster off the ball. It was a forceful challenge but shouldn't warrant any VAR intervention.
89 mins: Last change for Newcastle. Jonjo Shelvey is replaced by Isaac Hayden.
88 mins: Newcastle break now and Saint-Maximin forces a save from Ramsdale, the ball falls into the path of Almiron but he dawdles and Lokonga clears.
87 mins: Lacazette finds space in the Newcastle box but Dubravka does not go to ground and collects the ball.
85 mins: Third and final change for Arsenal. Thomas Partey is replaced by Mohamed Elneny.
83 mins: Arsenal old boy Willock cuts inside from the left and tests Ramsdale with a stinging shot that the England keeper gets behind.
82 mins: Arsenal break upfield through Martinelli, he gives the ball to Lacazette who can only find the sidenetting.
81 mins: Tavares sends an excellent early ball to goalscorer Martinelli but the Brazilian cannot bring it under his spell and Newcastle regain possession.
80 mins: Shelvey has another go from distance and this time it doesn't even reach Ramsdale's goal as Ben White blocks.
76 mins: Aubameyang booked for a foul on Almiron and that is his final contribution of the game as he is replaced by Lacazette.
75 mins: Newcastle search for a route back into the game but Fraser's corner is dealt with by Arsenal.
73 mins: Chance Newcastle! Murphy puts a wonderful ball across the six yard box but nobody gambles and Arsenal hang onto their clean sheet for now.
72 mins: Martinelli's strike was his second touch since being introduced, what an impact from the Brazilian who has been hampered by a knee injury.
71 mins: This could get ugly for Newcastle. Smith-Rowe tries to find Aubameyang but his pass is slightly overhit and allows Dubravka to hurry off his line and claim the ball.
70 mins: Shelvey continues to serve as Newcastle's biggest threat, this time his effort from distance is easy pickings for Ramsdale.
69 mins: Double change for Newcastle. Almiron and Murphy are on for Ritchie and Joelinton.
68 mins: Premier League football can be punishing and that was a timely reminder for Eddie Howe on his return to the top flight. Moments before that second goal, Newcastle had a shout for a penalty turned down and Martinelli has gone down the other end to score.
Arsenal have doubled their lead... and that has to be Gabriel Martinelli's first touch of the ball since coming on!
And what a touch it is. Tomiyasu lifts a deft pass into the Brazilian's path. The youngster keeps his eye on the ball as it floats over his shoulder and from a tight angle volleys the ball past Dubravka. Exceptional finish.
65 mins: The corner is cleared and Shelvey sends a wonderful ball over the top to Wilson, the ball bounces kindly for him as Tavares shoulders the Englishman off the ball. No penalty, says Atwell and VAR.
64 mins: Substitution for Arsenal. Gabriel Martinelli replaces the injured Saka.
63 mins: Saka can barely move and it looks like he will have to come off. Partey shoots from distance and it is deflected behind for a corner as Lascelles is booked for a rough challenge on Aubameyang in the build up to that chance.
60 mins: Saka is on his feet on the touchline as play continues. Smith-Rowe's delivery is cleared with ease as the goalscorer returns to the field of play.
59 mins: Arsenal purring now. Tomiyasu finds space on the right and his cross is blocked behind for a corner.
Concern for Arteta now as Saka goes down unchallenged, looks like a muscle injury.
Arsenal have found the breakthrough! It's been coming.
Tavares drifts inside to occupy a central position. He is found by Smith-Rowe and he feeds Bukayo Saka who drills a left-footed effort into the far corner, leaving Dubravka with no chance.
52 mins: Arsenal knocking on the door now. Saka sends a delicious ball in but no Arsenal player makes the gamble and it goes behind for a goal kick.
51 mins: Saka shows his mesmerising footwork to escape a couple of challenges but he can't bend a shot in at the far post and Dubravka saves comfortably.
48 mins: Arsenal win a corner. Smith-Rowe takes but a Newcastle man coolly nods back to his keeper.
47 mins: Ritchie sends a dangerous ball into the Arsenal box and Gabriel does well to clear. Arsenal break and Krafth is booked for shoving Tavares off the ball.
46 mins: Tomiyasu looks to find a way through a couple of Newcastle bodies in the opposition box but he loses control of the ball and fouls Schar.
The players have been given their instructions and the second half is under way. Neither manager has made a change at the break.
Stuart Atwell calls an end to the first half and neither side have been able to break the deadlock.
Aubameyang will still be wondering how he didn't score from point blank range when it looked easier to score than miss. Arsenal have had the bulk of possession but have struggled to force openings and need to play the ball quicker.
Newcastle have posed a threat on the counter while Jonjo Shelvey has tested Aaron Ramsdale from range.
All to play for in the second half in North London.
45+4 mins: Tomiyasu does superbly to cut out a dangerous pass from Saint-Maximin to deny the visitors a chance to test Ramsdale.
45+3 mins: Tavares attempts another unlikely strike at goal from distance and once again he is nowhere near testing Dubravka.
45+1 mins: Four minutes of additional time to be played as Smith-Rowe sees an effort on goal blocked.
45 mins: Smith-Rowe looks to drive into the penalty area but Krafth wins the ball and clears.
Saka now plays a one-two with Odegaard and is on the receiving end of a crunching, but fair tackle, from Lascelles.
44 mins: First booking of the game as Matt Ritchie is cautioned for cynically dragging back Saka as the youngster looked to charge down the flank.
41 mins: Chance Arsenal! And what a miss from Aubameyang! Saka dazzles down the left, he clips the ball towards Emile Smith-Rowe, whose header is parried into the path of the captain who, from point blank range, puts the ball wide of goal.
Unbelievable miss.
38 mins: Krafth is back on his feet now and looks like he will be OK to continue.
36 mins: Free kick for Arsenal in a dangerous position after Saint-Maximin fouled Saka. Chance for the Gunners to send a ball into the box now.
Saka takes and Dubravka punches clear but he has collided with Krafth who looks in a bad way as play is stopped.
35 mins: VAR had reviewed an incident during the most recent Newcastle corner, in which Odegaard appeared to haul down Schar but Darren England felt the incident did not warrant intervention.
34 mins: Saint-Maximin skips a challenge from Partey, he looks to release Wilson but his pass is cut out at the last by White.
32 mins: Arsenal's turn to attack now, this time through Tomiyasu but his effort whistles wide of Dubravka's post.
31 mins: Gabriel clears the resulting corner, the ball is sent back into the box and cleared again only as far as Shelvey who hits a low, thunderous strike that Ramsdale parries.
30 mins: Chance Newcastle! Fraser drives forward on the right, his cut back is cleared only as far as Jonjo Shelvey who takes aim from distance and Ramsdale just tips the effort behind for a corner.
29 mins: Tavares attempts the spectacular with a right-footed effort but it is hit high and wide and does not trouble Dubravka.
27 mins: Schar rises to meet the corner at the nearpost but cannot keep his effort down and it balloons over for a goal kick.
26 mins: Newcastle foray forwards through Saint-Maximin, Tomiyasu slides in to block a cross which strikes his arm and goes behind for a corner. Atwell says no penalty.
25 mins: Arsenal continue to probe for an opening in a game of attack vs. defence at the Emirates Stadium. The Magpies holding out for now with a solid defensive shape.
20 mins: Odeegard's free kick looks destined for the top corner but Dubravka leaps to claw the ball away, fantastic save.
19 mins: Tavares makes a lung-busting run forward to break through Newcastle's midfield. His cross is cleared before Joe Willock fouls Odegaard on the edge of his own area, giving the Gunners a chance to strike at goal from a dead ball.
18 mins: Saka is almost set through on goal but Dubravka is quick off his line to collect. Arsenal probing here.
16 mins: Chance Arsenal! Saka is picked out with a sumptuous ball over the top by Lokonga, he attempts to steer the ball in at the near post but it squirms wide.
12 mins: Tavares lines up a strike on goal from a tight angle but his effort is blocked by Krafth behind for a corner.
Dubravka takes control to claim Odegaard's corner. He gets the visitors going on the counter attack as Shelvey finds Wilson, he pulls back for Ritchie before White wins the ball back.
10 mins: Arsenal in comfortable possession of the ball as Newcastle opt to sit deep and hope to hit the hosts on the counter.
They pounce now and Wilson gets the better of Gabriel, runs through on goal before Atwell and spares the Brazilian's blushes by calling a free kick.
6 mins: Odegaard is found between the lines, he half turns and plays in Aubameyang but Schar reads the play well to clear.
Tavares wriggles free of Krafth to send a cross into the box but it comes to nothing.
4 mins: Arsenal come forward through Bukayo Saka, but Fabian Schar does well to apply the pressure and turnover possession.
3 mins: Gabriel outmuscles Callum Wilson in a fight for possession. Despite the Englishman's protests, Atwell believes he won the ball back fairly.
1 min: Joelinton battles with Ben White down the left hand side and almost forces a corner but a slight touch from the Brazilian puts it behind for a goal kick.
The players take the knee against racism before Stuart Atwell blows his whistle to get us underway in North London.
The players are out on the Emirates Stadium turf with kick off just moments away now.
Not long to go now until Arsenal take on Newcastle to get us started in the Premier League this weekend.
Arteta wants his side to show they're hurting while Howe is desperate to get Newcastle's first win on the board to show they're up for the fight.
Something has got to give at the Emirates.
It's been a long absence for me, I am delighted to be back.
Last week was a surreal experience. The lads gave everything and hopefully we can go one better today.
I've seen encouraging signs since I arrived at the club, the spirit, the ability of the players has made me very optimistic about the future.
It's very much picked by me and the training was devised by me but you're not delivering it. That's history and I am delighted to be back and leading the team.
The Newcastle boss was speaking to BT Sport.
'Newcastle were ninth when I left but it was the right move because the fans were done with me,' the ex-boss told Sportsmail. 'I might be the only person who knew exactly what Steve Bruce was going through because the same thing happened to me because of Mike.
'Monday to Friday wasn't a problem, it was a lovely experience, lovely people. Then Saturday comes and you've got to win.
'Eddie Howe, with all due respect, hasn't managed a big club and will find that difficult, particularly because the team look short. He needs personnel and that is difficult in January.'
Click below to read more.
We have to show from the first minute that we are still hurting.
We are going to have to start to change the team more because we have a busy schedule coming up, chances will come for every player.
It is going to be a challenge for sure, you can see that the energy is different already, we expect a tough game.
The Arsenal boss was speaking to BT Sport.
Newcastle are gearing up for a big January transfer window and were this morning said to be in 'pole position' for Ousmane Dembele next summer, but Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is not worried about the prospect of losing his stars to the Magpies.
Click below to read more.
Arsenal academy starlet Bukayo Saka has referred to Mikel Arteta as a 'tactical genius' that can 'outsmart' any of their Premier League opponents.
The 20-year-old believes Arteta has played a role in his rise to stardom - saying the Arsenal boss knows how to 'get the best to get out' of his players and 'prepare' them for big games.
Click below to read more.
Arsenal legend believes that, while the stats make for grim reading for Newcastle, Eddie Howe can be the club's saviour this season.
Click below to read more.
Just the one change for Arteta from the team that was thumped at Anfield, with Martin Odegaard replacing Emile Smith-Rowe.
Meanwhile, Eddie Howe plays a really bold line-up in North London, with Ryan Fraser appearing to be named at right wing back in place of Jacob Murphy.
This weekend's Premier League action starts right here as Newcastle travel to Arsenal in Eddie Howe's first game in the dugout since taking over as Magpies boss.
The ex-Bournemouth man has a sizeable task at hand to stave off relegation for his new side, which begins in North London against Mikel Arteta's Gunners.
The hosts are reeling from a 4-0 loss to Liverpool last time out that ended their tremendous run of form and they will be looking to get back on track today.
Stay tuned as we build up towards the 12.30pm kick off, with team news to come imminently.
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