Arsenal picked up an important win in the Premier League this afternoon as they beat Newcastle United 2-0 at St James’ Park.
Mikel Arteta’s men had to hit back after a Europa League defeat to Villarreal on Thursday night, and did so with a fine win in the North East.
Mohamed Elneny was handed a start and repaid his manager’s faith almost immediately as he fired Arsenal in front from the edge of the box.
Gabriel Martinelli set up Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to make it 2-0 in the second half, and Fabian Schar’s late red card compounded Newcastle’s bad day.
Arsenal move up to ninth in the Premier League table, but remain 12 points off the top four after what has been a disappointing campaign.
Arteta rotated his side today, and one of the top performers was goalkeeper Mat Ryan, who came in for Bernd Leno between the sticks.
Ryan performed admirably between the sticks, leading to fans calling him ‘flawless’ and ‘outstanding’, with some even wanting him to start ahead of Bernd Leno.
Ryan is only on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion, meaning he may not be around at Arsenal next season – and some supporters want to see him signing permanently, believing that he can be long-term competition for Leno.
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