Olivier Giroud and Santi Cazorla shared sublime braces to lift Arsenal 4-1 over Newcastle. Giroud’s first came early in the first half, when he rose high to meet Alexis’ cross with a thumping header. Santi Cazorla, who turned 30 today, scored his first goal from open play in 29 games when he brilliantly chipped Jak Alnwick in the Newcastle goal. Giroud then looked to have put the finishing touches on the match with a peach of his own for his second. A flowing move from Arsenal picked out Sanchez on the right. He played his cross on the ground to pick out Giroud who flicked the underside of the ball with his left boot to curl the ball up and over Alnwick. 3-0 to Arsenal.

Ayozo Perez nodded in a consolation for Newcastle, but a late Cazorla penalty meant Newcastle were well and truly beaten. All in all a comfortable and comprehensive victory for Arsenal. On a day where Arsenal had to rely on yet another make shift back line, they weren’t really tested by the visitors. Debuchy did well deputizing in center back while young Hector Bellerin looked a real live-wire going forward down the right. The players who were rested in midweek all looked lively today with Chamberlain and Cazorla really pulling the strings in the centre of the park.

Encouraging performance from Arsenal, and by the looks of things a return to form. Fingers crossed Arsenal continue this form and go on to put together a run of matches. View the player ratings from today’s matches down below.

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