Arsenal moved up to third in the Premier League table and boosted their chances of a return to the Champions League as they beat Newcastle 2-0 on Monday night.
Aaron Ramsey, who will leave for Juventus in the summer when his contract expires, tucked away the opener before Alexandre Lacazette made sure of the points with a lofted finish in the closing stages.
The victory takes Unai Emery’s side above both Tottenham and Manchester United in the top-four race and extended their run of home league wins to 10.
In moving on to 63 points, the Gunners have equalled their tally from the whole of last season – Arsene Wenger’s final campaign at the helm – and given themselves a good opportunity to end a two-year hiatus from Europe’s elite club competition.
Only reigning champions Manchester City can boast a better record in front of their own fans this season – but Arsenal have only two home games remaining and need to add to their five wins on the road if they are to maintain their top-four position.
The Wales international did not have too long to wait to toast his fifth goal of the season as Lacazette broke into the box and the ball deflected off DeAndre Yedlin – with Ramsey slotting home off the post.
While Arsenal struggled to make the final pass, they came close to doubling their advantage on the stroke of half-time only for Matt Ritchie to brilliantly head Lacazette’s goalbound effort off the line.
Lacazette sewed up the win as he latched on to Aubameyang’s flicked header before lofting the ball over the onrushing Dubravka, before the French striker had a header ruled out for fouling the Newcastle goalkeeper.
The second goal killed off any lingering doubts of a surprise late comeback from the visitors, who remain 14th – seven points above the relegation zone.
