Premier League 2018-19, Arsenal 2-0 Newcastle United: 5 Talking Points and Tactical Analysis

#2 Lacazette shines up front

Lacazette was sensational on the night

Unai Emery decided to tweak his formation against Newcastle and opted for a single-striker system. Hence, Lacazette was given the nod ahead of Aubameyang. Though there was a furrowed brow or two at the selection, the Frenchman ensured his Gabonese friend wasn’t missed.

The striker looked sharp from the outset and caused the away side’s defence problems. His propensity to run into channels troubled the Newcastle centre backs with the three defenders unable to track him adeptly. Moreover, he functioned as an ideal focal point and brought his teammates into play.

The first goal came about after some clever movement by Lacazette created space in the middle. Ramsey made the most of it, making the net ripple in the process.

The second goal, meanwhile, embodied the Frenchman in a nutshell. Sensing an opportunity, he played a quick one-two with Aubameyang before sumptuously clipping the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper.

A year ago, the striker was lambasted by the media with many even calling him an expensive flop. However, since the arrival of Aubameyang and Emery, Lacazette has scaled new heights and is now one of the top-drawer strikers in the land.

And with the Frenchman firing on all cylinders, the Champions League next season looks more realistic a dream as ever this term.