Arsenal 4-1 Newcastle: Gunners thrash struggling Magpies to keep up pace in title race

Arsenal extended their winning streak in the Premier League with an impressive 4-0 triumph against Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium. This victory marks their sixth consecutive win in the league, solidifying their unbeaten record of 12 home league matches against Newcastle United, with 11 wins and 1 draw.

The intensity was just as anticipated at the beginning, following the controversy in the previous match, and Arsenal took the initiative - putting pressure on Newcastle's defense in their own half.

The Gunners maintained their strong start with Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice both having shots saved from similar positions, with Loris Karius holding his ground at the near post. The dominance from the North London team was unyielding and it resulted in a goal just after fifteen minutes.

Saka's corner was headed towards goal by Gabriel Magalhaes and saved brilliantly by Karius, but as Tino Livramento tried to clear, Sven Botman deflected it over the line.

Arsenal's continuous attacking play showed no signs of slowing down as they extended their lead just over five minutes later.

Jorginho, with a pass resembling that of a quarterback, found Gabriel Martinelli's run, who moved across the Newcastle defense from left to right and crossed the ball back into the danger zone where Kai Havertz was there to score.

Eddie Howe was visibly frustrated by his team's poor performance, highlighted by the fact that the visitors did not manage to take a shot in the first 45 minutes.

To their credit, the Newcastle fans remained supportive as the Magpies had a much better start to the second half. However, their first shot on goal within four minutes of the restart was weak, with David Raya easily collecting Anthony Gordon's attempt.

However, despite their commendable efforts in the early stages, Howe's team was outwitted by Saka's exceptional display of skill, as he maneuvered past Livramento before slotting the ball into the far corner.

Similar to the initial period, Arsenal swiftly scored another goal - their 19th set-piece goal of the season - when Jakub Kiwior headed in Declan Rice's corner kick at the near post.

Although former Gunner Joe Willock managed to score a late consolation goal, the team suffered their first defeat in six games, leading Howe to shift his focus towards the upcoming FA Cup tie against Blackburn Rovers, their final opportunity for silverware.

In contrast, Arsenal effortlessly secured victory in the last fifteen minutes, positioning Mikel Arteta's team in third place, just two points behind league leaders Liverpool in an intense title race.