Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang fired Arsenal to victory with two precious goals – but missed out on a hat trick because he needed a toilet break.
Aubameyang was substituted two minutes after after his second goal and Mikel Arteta admitted the Arsenal captain had to make a dash for the dressing room.
“Yeah, he had to go in so we had to change it,” said Arteta who then smiled as he said his match winner had to go off with a “stomach issue.”
But it was an important night for Aubameyang who missed a first half sitter and has struggled for goals this season before he struck twice after the break.
Gunners boss Arteta said: “I thought [Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang] had two or three really big chances in the first half which he didn’t score.
“But those goals today will give him good confidence so that’s good for the team.
(Image: Pool via REUTERS)
“That’s what he has done through his career, always kept going and scored big goals when he needed them and that’s what he’s done for us tonight.
“I’m really pleased. Collectively and individually it was really strong. Overall the team looked confident, solid and very clear about what we had to do. I’m very happy with the clean sheet and the goals.”
Arteta also praised youngsters Emile Smith-Rowe and Bukayo Saka who linked up for the latter’s goal as Arsenal heaped more pressure on Newcastle boss Steve Bruce.
(Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Arteta said: “I know what the young players are capable of doing. They put a smile on my face.
“That is a merit to them and their teammates. Their performances were extraordinary.
“The expectation will be high with them so we have to take them through the right path. It’s a mixture of energy, passion and a little bit of immaturity at times which is good as you don’t play as tense. They did really well.”
Arteta also confirmed that Mesut Ozil is set to complete his move to Fenerbahce in the coming days and said they would miss him despite his protracted departure.
Arteta added: ”He’s in Turkey now. He is going through the medical and there is some paperwork to do. When the deal is done we will make an announcement.
“We are always sorry to see a player of that quality leave the club.”
Bruce is now fighting to save his job but insisted the performance against Arsenal was an improvement.
Bruce added: “You will have tough moments if you’re in the Premier League and in the bottom half. We have to dust ourselves down, get that confidence back and try and win games wherever we can.
“It’s getting that balance right. Unfortunately, throwing bodies forward to try to score to win the match and we have been punished.”
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