Record Sh9 billion signing Pepe, Lacazette shine as Arsenal demolish Newcastle 4-0

The Gunners struggled to break Newcastle down, before their quality came to the fore in a frantic spell. [Courtesy]

Arsenal outclassed and outplayed Newcastle United in a scintillating match played at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday night.

The 4-0 demolition, however, was achieved in the second half after a scrappy first 45 minutes.

Alexandre Lacazette ended his drought and scored for the first time since December to help Arsenal and head coach Mikel Arteta with three crucial points against the Magpies.

Arsenal was level on points with visitors Newcastle, having won just six times in the Premier League this season - and only once since Arteta's December appointment.

Arsenal's Alexandre Lacazette, centre, celebrates after scoring his side's fourth goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Arsenal and Newcastle at the Emirates Stadium in London, Sunday, Feb. 16, 2020. [AP Photo/Frank Augstein]

After a frustrating first half, Arsenal’s record Sh9 billion signing Nicolas Pepe laid on a goal for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the 54th minute, and Pepe himself scored three minutes later to all but settle the contest.

Under fire Mesut Ozil added another in the 90th minute, before substitute Lacazette added the icing on the cake in stoppage time.

35 - There were 35 passes in the build-up for Mesut Özil's goal vs Newcastle, making it 10 passes longer than any goal scored in the Premier League this season, with all 11 @Arsenal players involved at least once. Mikel. pic.twitter.com/9p2I09HMJP — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 16, 2020

Arteta, who revealed before the match he turned down an approach from Newcastle while still an assistant at Manchester City, could enjoy the closing stages of a precious victory, with Arsenal climbing back up to 10th and within sight of the European places.

Premier League - Arsenal v Newcastle United - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - February 16, 2020, Arsenal's Dani Ceballos celebrates their first goal. [Action Images via Reuters/John Sibley]

Goals summary

54’ – Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang goal (Pepe assist)

57’ – Nicolas Pepe goal (Bukayo Saka assist)

90’ – Mesut Ozil (Lacazette assist)

95’ - Alexandre Lacazette (Pepe assist)

Opta stats (Courtesy: OptaJoe)

A. 26 of Alexandre Lacazette’s 33 Premier League goals have been scored in home games, including each of his last nine. Of all Arsenal players to have scored at least 15 goals in the competition, Lacazette has scored the highest ratio in home games (79%).

B. 4 - Mesut Ozil has scored more league goals against Newcastle (4) than he has versus any other side in his career; this was his first league goal since April 2019 vs Crystal Palace.

C. 8 - Bukayo Saka has assisted eight goals in all competitions this season, two more than any teammate; he also has the most assists of any Premier League teenager this season.

D. Two of Aubameyang's last three Premier League goals have been headers - none of his first 44 goals in the competition were scored with his head.