The midfielder returned to the line-up and dictated the tempo as Mike Arteta's side maintained their superb domestic form to start 2024
Arsenal bounced back from their midweek European disappointment with a thumping 4-1 win against Newcastle on Saturday to move back to within two points of Liverpool at the top of the Premier League.
The convincing success continued Mikel Arteta's side's stunning start to 2024 in the league, with the Gunners having now become the first team in Premier League history to score two or more goals in seven consecutive halves of football.
Since losing to Fulham on December 31, Arsenal have won six league games on the spin, scoring 25 goals and letting in just three. It's a remarkable run of form which has seen them breathe new life into a title bid that had seemed to be faltering.
Newcastle just had no answer to the home side's intensity, and after Sven Botman had put through his own net early on, Kai Havertz added a second after some fine play by Gabriel Martinelli.
Bukayo Saka scored an excellent third after the interval before Jakub Kiwior glanced in a fourth. Newcastle did pull a goal back late on through former Arsenal man Joe Willock, but it was no more than a consolation.
GOAL rates Arsenal's players from Emirates Stadium…
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David Raya (7/10):
Didn't really put a foot wrong. Barely called upon to make a save, but his distribution was strong and he controlled his area well. Could do nothing with Willock's late header.
Ben White (8/10):
Looks to be enjoying the inverted full-back role he has been asked to play in recent weeks. Was heavily involved in Arsenal's build-up, especially in the first half.
William Saliba (7/10):
As calm as always. Cruised through the first half and kept things tight after the interval as Newcastle provided more of a threat.
Gabriel Magalhaes (8/10):
Saw his close range header saved in the move that led to the early own goal. Handled the threat of Isak well.
Jakub Kiwior (7/10):
Another solid display from the stand in left-back. Continues to deputise well for Zinchenko and Tomiyasu, and was rewarded when he headed home the fourth goal in the second half.
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Jorginho (9/10):
Absolutely outstanding. His first half display is as good a midfield performance as you will see all season. Pulled the strings all evening with his passing. Arteta's decision not to start him at Porto looks all the more baffling.
Declan Rice (7/10):
Newcastle really struggled to stop his driving runs forward. Unlucky not to score when he saw his shot saved by Karius.
Martin Odegaard (8/10):
It was tiring just watching the way he pressed all night. He didn't give the Newcastle backline a second's rest. Led by example.
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Bukayo Saka (8/10):
Unlucky not to score in the first half when he was denied by Karius. Linked up so well with Odegaard at times. His set-piece delivery was excellent all night and deserved the goal he bent into the far corner in the second half
Kai Havertz (7/10):
Set the tone for Arsenal's performance with his work-rate early on. Led the line really well and popped up with another important goal, but missed a golden chance to make it 3-0 early in the second half.
Gabriel Martinelli (7/10):
Brilliant run and cross for Havertz's goal. Didn't stop making runs all night. A real handful.
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Leandro Trossard (6/10):
Lively second-half cameo. Busy down the left.
Emile Smith Rowe (6/10):
So unlucky not to score when his late shot was cleared off the line.
Reiss Nelson (5/10):
Had one nice run down the right
Eddie Nketiah (5/10):
Couldn't really get involved.
Mohamed Elneny (N/A):
On for the final few minutes.
Mikel Arteta (8/10):
He will be delighted with what he saw from his team, especially after such a demanding week. The decision to start with Jorginho in midfield certainly paid off.