Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang punished slack Newcastle defending to give Arsenal victory at a rain-drenched St James' Park.
Starting with many of their £125m-worth of signings on the bench and without midfielders Mesut Ozil and Sead Kolasinac, Gunners boss Unai Emery watched his side struggle to cut through their opponents in the first half.
That all changed just before the hour mark when Aubameyang was left unmarked on the edge of the area, collected Ainsley Maitland-Niles' cross from the right and fired past Martin Dubravka.
Emery gave £72m club-record signing Nicolas Pepe and midfielder Dani Ceballos debuts from the bench, but they failed to make much of an impression.
As for Steve Bruce, his Newcastle managerial debut was about what could have been.
The Magpies' record signing Joelinton went close with a shot blocked by Bernd Leno before Jonjo Shelvey saw his drive crash off the woodwork.
The home side were flat for much of the second half, although another new recruit, the exciting wing prospect Allan Saint-Maximin, tested German Leno with a near-post drive.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Spain’s government blames huge blackout on grid regulator and private firms
9 minutes -
World’s only twice-a-year shot to prevent HIV could stop transmission – if people can get it
25 minutes -
Mobile banker jailed 5 years for stealing GH¢70,840
36 minutes -
ECG equipment thief jailed 5 years
48 minutes -
Trader jailed 12 years for defiling minor
60 minutes -
NPP 2026 Primaries: Bawumia doesn’t need favours, we’re ready – Miracles Aboagye
1 hour -
Police arrest school proprietor for preventing BECE candidates from writing exam
1 hour -
Two arraigned for alleged illegal gold trade
1 hour -
GWL uncovers illegal water connection at Adwoa Wangara apartment in Cantonments
2 hours -
Education Minister opens CIHRM 2025 conference
3 hours -
The Pulse & Vbyz Experience: A Galdem DJ Mixtape
3 hours -
Kennedy Agyapong doesn’t need much marketing – Kwesi Kwarteng says ahead of NPP’s 2026 primaries
3 hours -
Maison Yusif shines on global stage at Barcelona Perfume Congress
3 hours -
Shirley Frimpong Manso is perfectionist and doesn’t compromise on that – Joselyn Dumas
4 hours -
We don’t celebrate our own enough – Shirley Frimpong-Manso to Ghanaians
4 hours