Smith Rowe and Aubameyang score late as Arsenal see off Newcastle in the FA Cup

Arsenal booked their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup after a gritty 2-0 win over Newcastle. Goals in extra-time from young Arsenal starlet Emile Smith Rowe as well as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang secured the Gunners the win.

Arsenal dominated the game during the first 90 minutes however it was Newcastle who came the closest to scoring right at the death of normal time, as Andy Carroll was denied by a fantastic close range save from Bernd Leno. The German then leapt to his feet to claw the ball away from the onrushing Englishman, denying a certain goal.

In the 93^rd minute, Smith Rowe was shown a straight red card from the referee as the youngster challenged Sean Longstaff. Chris Kavanagh then referred to VAR who sent the official to the pitch side monitor where it was adjudged that Smith Rowe deserved only a yellow.

Newcastle looked brighter at the beginning of extra time however the game was settled when substitute Emile Smith Rowe calmly slotted the ball in off the post in the 110th minute. The 20-year-old latched onto fellow substitute Alexandre Lacazette’s flicked header, as he buried his volley into the bottom left corner of the goal.

Aubameyang sealed Arsenal’s spot in the fourth round of the FA Cup as he scored his first goal of 2021, the striker finished off a fantastic team move with a tap in from two yards out. The assist came from the ever-consistent Kieran Tierney who was yet again electrifying down the left-hand side for the Gunners.

It won’t be all smiles for the London side. Gabriel Martinelli was due to start the fixture however the young Brazilian picked up an injury in the warm up where he appeared to injure his ankle. This forced the winger out of the squad and left him sat watching from the sidelines.

Another notable absence from the Arsenal team was Folarin Balogun. The 19-year-old wasn’t even included in the Arsenal squad which fuelled the rumours circulating that Mikel Arteta is looking to loan out or possibly even sell Balogun in this transfer window.

All in all, Arsenal will be pleased to continue their defence of the FA Cup as they see off a Newcastle with a blunt attack. The Gunners will now look forward to the draw for the fourth round on Monday night as well as their upcoming Premier League fixture with Crystal Palace on January 14.

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