Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta was delighted with the way his side dominated against Newcastle, beating the Magpies 3-0 at the Emirates.
The Gunners secured all three points as a brace from captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bukayo Saka’s left-foot finish sealed the win over Newcastle.
After the match, the boss had this to say to Sky Sports
On the difference between the two halves
I think the first half, it takes a while to break a structure like this. We had some big chances that we didn’t score, which is what we needed, but we were in total control of the game.
I’m not sure if they had any shots on target. At that moment, it was about keeping that structure right, keeping it simple, keep attacking the balls as much as we could. We corrected a few things that in my opinion we could do a bit better, and then we produced the moments in the box.
On Aubameyang returning to form
Yeah, he tried. Even in the first half he had two or three big chances and didn’t score. He scored two today and I think it’s going to be really good for his confidence. Obviously, it’s great for the team because it helped him to win the match. Overall, I’m really pleased.
On Aubameyang being ill when he was subbed
He had to go ‘in’ and we decided to change him. [He needed a dump]
On Smith Rowe and Saka impressing
When we are winning they put a smile on my face. I know what they are capable of doing. They are developing really well. That’s merit to them, merit to their teammates and to everybody who has been involved to support and protect them. But the performances they are putting in are extraordinary.
On how he protects them
They do it, the boys with their personalities in the dressing room. The senior players, the other young players that we have as well and obviously the staff as well, which they need. The expectations are high with them, and we have to take them through the right path.
On their freedom helping the senior players
Yes, it’s for everybody. To have that mix of energy and passion and immaturity at times is good because you don’t play as tense as the senior players. They are doing really well.
On being happy with Thomas Partey
I’m really happy, he got better and better as the game went on. He had a big influence, he gave us things that are different to any other player, and we have now to protect him because he’s missed a lot of football in the last couple of months. I’m really happy with his performance.
On Ozil leaving
Not yet. He’s in Turkey now, he’s going through the medical, there’s still some paperwork to do. When the deal is finalised, we’ll make the announcement.
