Arsenal returned to winning ways as goals from Mohamed Elneny and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang secured a dominant 2-0 victory over Newcastle at St James’ Park.
Mohamed Elneny volleyed in his first Premier League goal inside five minutes before Aubameyang marked his first start since April 3 with the Gunners’ second midway through the second half.
Newcastle had moved to within touching distance of mathematical Premier League safety with a four-game unbeaten run before Arsenal’s trip to Tyneside but were completely outplayed, registering just a single attempt on target, before Fabian Schar’s late dismissal compounded a miserable outing for Steve Bruce’s side.
Arsenal’s first league win in three lifts them up to ninth and provides a timely boost ahead of Thursday’s Europa League showdown with Villarreal, while Newcastle stay 17th, nine points clear of the relegation zone with four games remaining.
Mikel Arteta left no room for doubt that salvaging Arsenal’s season in Thursday’s Europa League semi-final second leg against Villarreal was the priority as he made eight changes from midweek first-leg defeat.
