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Defending FA Cup champions, Arsenal started their quest to retain their title with a third-round encounter against Newcastle United. The Gunners, who have come into a bit of form recently, began the road to title number 15 with a hard-fought 2-0 win over the Magpies.
However, Arsenal needed to wait till extra time to score their first of the game when Emile Smith-Rowe would burst into the box in the 109th minute.
Arsenal then put the game beyond doubt when Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang tapped in from close range with three minutes to go. The win sees the Cup holders cruise into the fourth round.
On that note, here are five talking points from Arsenal's 2-0 extra-time win over Newcastle United.
#5 Nicolas Pepe blows hot and cold for Arsenal
In recent weeks, Nicolas Pepe has found himself getting minimal minutes on the pitch for Arsenal.
Bukayo Saka has displaced him at RW, with the youngster showcasing everything Mikel Arteta wants in a winger. Pepe, on the other hand, has repeatedly put in lukewarm performances consisting of wayward shots and too many ball turnovers.
However, with only his fifth domestic start of the season, the 25-year-old blew hot and cold. Pepe completed 42 passes and four dribbles, while he produced two key passes and lost the ball 18 times in 105 minutes on the pitch. Will we ever see why Arsenal paid £72million for Pepe?
#4 Andy Carroll rolls back the years
It’s incredible to think that Andy Carroll has been playing at the top level for over 15 years.
The target man has made 288 appearances across his career, and against Arsenal, he showed why Newcastle decided to bring him back at the age of 32.
Not only was he a menace in the air offensively, but he was also a rock at the back for Newcastle at every set piece. Add to that his sublime linkup play and ability to bring others into the game, Carrol turned in an impressive performance against Arsenal.
Out of 19 aerial duels against the Gunners, Carroll won an impressive 14 which encouraged his teammates to continually launch the ball upfield. On another day, Andy Carroll would have bagged a brace, but he didn't because of the brilliance of Bernd Leno.
#3 Reiss Nelson blows his chance for Arsenal
When Gabriel Maryinelli unfortunately rolled his ankle in the warmup, many Arsenal fans feared the worst. However, one man’s misfortune is another man's opportunity.
In stepped Reiss Nelson to take Martinelli's place and get the opportunity Arsenal fans had been crying out for him to get. From the first minute, the youngster looked like he had a point to prove, as he cut in from the left and mustered the team’s first shot on target.
Unfortunately, his promising start didn;t materialise into a noteworthy performance. In fact, the 21-year-old’s cameo only further convinced the Arsenal boss that Nelson needs to be loaned out this month.
#2 Pablo Mari - the unsung hero
When Pablo Mari was signed just over a year ago, nobody expected him to be nothing more than a squad option for Arsenal. However, the Spaniard has now proven himself to be much more than that.
In his last four games, Arsenal have kept three clean sheets and conceded only one goal. Against Newcastle, a very direct and physical team, the 27-year-old completed 94% of his passes, won eight duels, made five clearances, completed four tackles and intercepted three passes in a commanding display.
The centre-back has now given Mikel Arrteta a headache about whether Mari keeps his place over Gabriel Magalhaes next week.
#1 Willian at #10
From the day he was signed, Arsenal fans have been crying out for Brazilian Willian to play as a #10.
At the age of 32, Willian no longer has the explosiveness to burst past players on the wing, so his technical attributes need to be maximised more centrally.
Against Newcastle, Willian was slotted in behind Nelson, Aubameyang and Pepe.
The onus was on the Brazilian to create chances for Arsenal. Unfortunately, he went on to produce another stinker in an Arsenal shirt.
In his 66 minutes on the pitch, the playmaker lost possession 11 times, attempted five crosses and one shot while producing one key pass in a below-par display.
