FA PREMIER LEAGUE 

ARSENAL 4 (Botman og 18, Havertz 24, Saka 65, Kiwior 69)

NEWCASTLE 1 (Willock 84)

IT seems an obvious player to pick out after another commanding victory by the Gunners – extending an extraordinary run of six league wins on the bounce with 25 goals scored.

But the sublime simplicity of Bukayo Saka’s play is such a joy to watch Arsenal fans won’t every tire of praising him.

He hardly put a foot wrong this evening; picking the right option, clipping perfect first time passes, wonderful control, working the ball in tight spaces with such ease and most often with three men on him.

And – as ever – grabbing a goal at a critical point in the game with a deadly finish into the far corner.

There is something beautifully straight forward about the way he plays, not trying to do the impossible or outrageous – Arsenal’s star boy is not a show pony – plays the percentages and is highly-effective.

The last league clash between these two sides was a pulsating affair that Arsenal were unlucky to lose.

But the Geordies are a shadow of their former selves though and tonight’s match was as one-sided as the drubbings of West Ham, Burnley, Palace.

The Gunners are on an incredible six game winning streak having scored 25 goals and conceded three.

Another telling stat is this wonderful defensive back line – surely the best in the league – has allowed just four shots on target in the last four games.

There is no longer any panic at the back and this builds confidence through the team, while David Raya – who has had to deal with the fallout of Arteta’s brutal demoting of popular Ramsdale – looks confident.

He has made mistakes but he has made some decent saves in as well, and his distribution is getting better.

There had been a crazy drunken atmosphere for the 8pm Saturday night kick off with fans keen to get over the disappointed result in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

Gabriel wheeled away thinking he’d scored the opener – another goal bundled in from a corner.

But keeper Karius had made a good save from his header that was flicked on from Saka’s corner.

It rebounded off Botman who bodged his clearance and the ball bumbled just over the line.

Kai Havertz stroked in an unmissable second after Gabriel Martinelli did well to chase down a rebound in the box.

He had a good game up front but missed an absolute sitter. If he worked on his shooting he could become one of the first names on the Arsenal team sheet.

Saka’s goal came in typical fashion. He collected the ball out wide from Havertz’s pass, skipped into the box, and stroked a shot into the far corner.

The ball just zipped through two Newcastle defenders in another example of the visitors’ general dis-organisation.

This was a particularly impressive performance given so often teams stumble after a tough European away day.

Eddie Howe obviously didn’t watch the Porto game midweek as the Gunners were given far too much space to work with.

The midfield had the freedom to work the ball in and out around the middle and find the wingers in space.

Newcastle’s best attack came on 60 minutes – Alex Isak took a long ball down with expert control, skipped inside of Ben White brilliantly, but blazed his shot over the bar.

Kiwior bundled in a fourth late on – another two corner goals to add to this season’s huge collection.

And the night ended with former Gunner Willock heading in a consolation goal at the end. It was a well taken finish, and he got a big cheer from the home fans despite scoring for his new club.

Jorginho was excellent in midfield and the pressing by Martin Odegaard – as many people have pointed out – caused so much panic, particularly in the early stages, and really put the Gunners on the front foot.

Next up its Sheffield United away and Brentford at home before things start to get tricky in March.

Arsenal: Raya, Kiwior, Saliba, Gabriel, White, Rice, Odegaard (ESR 74), Jorginho, Martinelli (Trossard 66), Saka (Nelson 74), Havertz (Nketiah 74)
Subs not used: Ramsdale, Jesus, Nketiah, Soares, Vieira, Elneny.

Newcastle: Karius, Trippier, Botman (Lascelles 73), Schar, Gordon, Isak (Barnes 63), Livramento (Burn 72), Almiron (Murphy 63), Longstaff, Bruno (Willock 63). Miley
Subs not used: Gillespie, Ritchie, Krafth 

Attendance 60,298