Fans were anxious when word filtered out of the Arsenal camp that Debuchy would play at centre back, but the team responded with a strong defensive performance.
Arsenal started strongly and laid siege to the Newcastle goal. After fifteen minutes they scored, Giroud powering a header into the top corner after a fine cross from Alexis.
Moments later Arsenal scored again, however Welbeck’s goal was disallowed when referee Lee Mason incorrectly felt Welbeck had pushed Newcastle fullback Janmaat to the ground.
Arsenal were dominant for most of the rest of the half, leading one to suspect that they would pay for not extending their lead, and they almost did.
Newcastle earned a corner and the resulting cross saw Szczesny make two remarkable saves, the first a header from Gouffran, the second a strike from Cisse.
In the second half, Arsenal continued their assault on the Newcastle goal and were finally rewarded when Cazorla scored after a give and go with Alexis.
Moments later they scored a third, Bellerin sending in a low cross and Giroud struck it home with a deft touch.
Newcastle would eventually score, Perez left open on a free kick headed home. For a moment a nervous shudder was felt by all, but Arsenal steadied the ship and sailed home, getting a fourth when Welbeck drew a penalty. Cazorla cheekily chipped it in.
Player Ratings:
Szczesny 8. Two excellent saves in the first half kept Arsenal in front and kept the team calm. The rest of the game was comparatively easy, although Wojciech couldn’t be blamed for the goal we conceded.
Bellerin 7. Hector showed flashes of brilliance out there and would assist on Giroud’s second goal. His pace and dribbling ability troubled Newcastle. On the other hand, he had a tough game defensively, although he fought hard. Should’ve been closer to Perez on Newcastle goal. He also gave the ball away several times. Much better than last week.
Debuchy 7. A solid game in the middle. Was largely untested, he won several headers, made several interceptions, and looked comfortable throughout.
Mertesacker 7. Unlucky not to score early in the game, when his header from a corner hit the crossbar. He looked solid for most of the game.
Gibbs 8. A strong game throughout, both defensively and offensively. He regularly is putting in strong performances.
Flamini 7. One of Flamini’s best games of the season. Composed on the ball, able to shield the defence, and even got forward for a shot.
Oxlade-Chamberlain 7. A great game for Alex, who looked especially dangerous when he dribbled with pace at the defence. That said, he made the odd mistake, was caught on the ball several times, and misplaced a couple of passes …but I’m being picky here.
Cazorla 8. Joint man-of-the-match. Yes, the goal last week at Stoke did awaken a slumbering Santi (it did the same for Rambo). This week he scored a lovely first goal and a cheeky penalty. He was everywhere and always looking to move the ball forward.
Sanchez 8. A strong display from Alexis, although he never really had a solid chance to score himself. He was fouled often and he drew several calls as well. Assisted on two goals.
Giroud 8. My other man-of-the-match. His two goals were excellent and he worked hard trying to combine with his teammates.
Welbeck 7. Unlucky to have a goal denied. He blew a two on one in the second half when Coloccini was able to poke the ball away. He would draw the penalty near the end of the match.
Substitutes:
Podolski 6. Came on with instructions to slow the game down. He still had a shot which narrowly missed.
Coquelin n/a. Had a few touches near the end.
Maitland-Niles n/a. Made his Premier League debut, but played just three minutes.