Mikel Arteta praises ‘extraordinary’ Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka after Arsenal defeat Newcastle

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang opened and closed the scoring against Newcastle

The forward was substituted on 79 minutes, with Arteta suggesting the Gabon international’s exit was fitness-related. 

“He had to go in, we decided to change him,” the Spaniard said, remaining vague.

Thomas Partey, meanwhile, made just his second appearance – and first start – since picking up an injury in Arsenal’s defeat by rivals Tottenham in early December.

The midfielder, a summer signing from Atletico Madrid, assisted Aubameyang’s opener with a clipped long ball before being taken off after 66 minutes of play.

“I think he got better and better as the game went on,” Arteta said. “He had a big influence, he gave us things that are different to any other player. 

“Still we have to protect him, because he has missed a lot of football in the last few months, but [I’m] really happy with the performance.”

Arsenal certainly did not miss the creativity that Mesut Ozil provided in his prime, but Arteta refrained from bidding farewell to his former team-mate ahead of a move to Fenerbahce that is all but confirmed.

“Not yet,” the Spaniard said. 

“Obviously he’s in Turkey now, he’s going through the medical, there is some paperwork still to do. 

“When the deal is finalised, we’ll make the announcement.”

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