Arsenal continued their impressive home record that has seen lose just once in their last 25 home League games thanks to a 4-1 victory over Newcastle United. A brace from Olivier Giroud and Santi Cazorla moved the Gunners within two points off fourth place. For the visitors, it was another miserable afternoon at the Emirates, where they have now conceded 14 goals in their last three visits.
Here are the major talking points from the game.
1. Arsenal show plenty of drive and determination
One of the most disappointing aspects of Arsenal’s performance last weekend against Stoke was their distinct lack of belief. Against Newcastle, the Gunners started with a renewed vim and vigour that almost produced a goal inside the opening minute. From then onwards, the home side swarmed forward in attack and displayed a ruthlessness in front of goal that has often been missing at the Emirates.
Whether it was Alexis Sanchez, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain or Santi Cazorla, everyone was pressing high up the pitch and the home side started like a team who desperately needed the win. They got it too, thanks to their determination to not just win the ball high up, but also make effective use of it. Although they had just four shots on goal, they converted all of them into goals and put in a performance that brought the home fans back on Arsene Wenger’s side.