Pierre Emerik-Aubameyang’s second half strike handed Arsenal a 1-0 win in their opening Premier League game of the season at Newcastle.
Steve Bruce, taking charge of the Magpies for the first time, starts his tenure on Tyneside with a loss.
In a match that was far from a classic, the visitors’ brand new away kit was perhaps the brightest part of a dull, rainy afternoon in the north east.
A throwback to their early 90s design, this performance and result also proved to be reminiscent of Arsenal teams from that era.
With a number of Newcastle fans staying away from St. James’ Park in protest at owner Mike Ashley, the atmosphere inside the ground was also very flat.
The first half seemed to play out like a hangover from pre-season with neither side able to take control, passes going astray and few opportunities being created.
Newcastle debutant Joelinton’s header from Matt Richie’s cross quarter of an hour into the game was the first notable goalscoring opportunity but the Brazilian’s header glanced wide of Bernd Leno’s left hand post.
A few minutes later a speculative right-footed Jonjo Shelvey volley from the edge of the penalty area cannoned off the right hand post and away.
Source: BBC
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