Arsenal recorded their third straight victory as they defeated stubborn Newcastle side 2-1 at the St James Park earlier today.
The Gunners were on the run of two consecutive victories heading into the showdown against the Magpies, hoping to earn the maximum three points after the game.
As expected, Unai Emery started Alexandre Lacazette alongside Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang but none of the two strikers was able to break the deadlock throughout the first half of the game.
Rafa Benitez’s side were equally unable to put the ball behind Petr Cech during the first period of the encounter.
Having played a goalless first half, the Gunners manager made a tactical change in the second half, which many believed helped the team to another three points.
Emery introduced Lucas Torreira, whom many Arsenal fans want to see in the team’s regular starting XI, in place of Matteo Guendouzi and the Uruguayan midfielder changed the pattern of play for the rest of the encounter.
Torreira added more fluidity to the Arsenal’s attacking setup while he equally brought calmness to the back four as he provides great coverage at the middle of the pitch.
As a result of Torreira’s hard work, Arsenal took the lead via Granit Xhaka’s goal. Mesut Ozil, who is appearing in his 200th game as Arsenal player, doubled the scoreline before Ciaran Clark scored a late consolation goal for the host.
Arsenal fans took to Twitter to praise Emery for his tactical change, they also praise Torreira for his impact on the team’s performance.
