Granit Xhaka and Mesut Ozil were on target as Arsenal beat Newcastle United 2-1 away from home, but difference maker was Lucas Torreira.
After a rather dull first half performance from both sides, the Londoners came on as a more determined side to win away from home. Xhaka scored an exceptional freekick, reminiscent of that Cristiano Ronaldo freekick, to give his side the lead in the second half. The Swiss registered his first goal in the 2018/19 season. Mesut Ozil‘s strike in the 58th minute further doubled the Gunners’ lead.
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The Emirates outfit completely dominated the second half as Torreira bossed the midfield coming off the bench in the second half. The Uruguayan came in as a substitute for Mattéo Guendouzi and helped the visitors to secure their third consecutive win. Torreira, who is yet to start for Arsenal in the Premier League this season impressed Unai Emery with his performance.
“I want to give every player confidence. I am very happy with Matteo and with Lucas,” Emery said [via Football365].
“Maybe the second half we needed a bit more balance, Lucas gave us this balance.
“The second half, the balance on the pitch was better. We didn’t concede the transition as easy.”
The former Sampdoria man provides a different dimension to this Arsenal side every time he comes on and Emery will probably start inking his name in the starting line-up for the upcoming fixtures. He provides a defensive shield to Arsenal’s shaky back line. Hopefully, Torreira can keep this trend going.
Poking around #Arsenal Twitter this morning, I couldn’t help but notice a growing number of our fans beginning to warm to the Xhaka-Torreira midfield partnership.
Welcome! Been here for a month, happy for your company.
— Nate Smith (@nws13) September 16, 2018
Arsenal failed to keep a clean sheet yet again as Ciaran Clark scored in the 91st minute. The North Londoners haven’t managed to keep a clean sheet this season and this definitely looks like a concern for Emery’s side; something that should be resolved as soon as possible if finishing in the top-four is something the gaffer is actually keen on.
