The Gunners ran out comfortable 4-0 winners over the Toon Army, but an inspirational moment from their teen-wonder was one of the highlights of a thrilling contest.
Arsenal claimed their first league win since a 2-0 defeat of Man United on New Year Day courtesy of goals from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Nicolas Pepe, Mesut Ozil, and Alex Lacazette.
For almost an hour at the Emirates on Sunday night, though, a resolute Newcastle side had the full measure of Mikel Arteta’s men. Two quick-fire goals from Aubameyang and Pepe, however, changed the complexion of the tie. Pepe’s goal, created by the brilliance of English-born Nigerian starlet Saka, was the pick of the pair.
Saka smartly nutmegged his marker to get into the area and then retained his composure to pick out Pepe, who slammed the ball in from close range.
Describing the goal afterwards to Arsenal.com, Saka said:
“I just thought that as soon as I passed it to him, I found the space and I exploited it and it was almost a two v one situation, but I always see it as a one v one.
“Then next a little nutmeg, we call that a little chilli. I sort of looked towards Eddie first because I like to cross it behind the defence, but I saw that it was quite tight, and the cut back was on, so I put it through the gap, and it was a good finish from Pepe,” an elated Saka added.
The 18-year-old has now recorded three goals and six assists in all competitions for Arsenal this season.
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pls and pls all those sadled with our football and everyone that have access to saka should do evrything posible to get him to play for SE (I wish we still have iwobi at arsenal) I have a very strong feeling that he is very open to play for naija.