Things went from bad to worse when winger Gabriel Martinelli hobbled off with an apparent hamstring injury in the 37th minute, just two days after Arsenal stood pat in the January transfer window despite Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus already out through long-term injuries.

Arsenal failed to improve their starting eleven last summer and now Mikel Arteta is paying the price for Edu Gaspar's shortcomings.

Newcastle fans are well and truly enjoying themselves at St James' Park.  Two goals up against Arsenal and 4-0 ahead on aggregate, it is party time on Tyneside as they are on course for a second EFL