MIKEL ARTETA’S Arsenal geared up for their crucial Europa League clash with Villarreal by easing past Newcastle United 2-0 at St James’ Park in a Sunday-afternoon stroll. 

Mohamed Elneny grabbed his first Premier League goal for the Gunners before captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang sealed the victory with a predatory finish in the second half.

Steve Bruce’s side, who lost Fabian Schar to a straight red card after a reckless — and pointless — challenge on Gabriel Martinelli with moments remaining, are still nine points above the relegation drop zone with four games left.

However, the visitors’ comfortable victory was marred by a hamstring injury to defender David Luiz, who limped off in the second half. With the Brazilian’s contract due to end this summer, it could be his last appearance in red and white. 

Afterwards, Arteta analysed the match, saying: “Apart from David’s injury, that’s all we wanted. We wanted to keep the team fresh and with the right attitude to play this game. 

“We dominated the game and got the three points. He [Luiz] felt something in his hamstring, which is not good. It’s a real shame.”

Aubameyang’s goal was his 10th league strike of a frustrating season. But his overall performance, which included an assist for Elneny, was a timely boost following a bout of malaria. 

Arteta explained: “We thought he wasn’t going to manage that on Thursday. The days before, he was struggling, but after Villarreal he started to feel better. It’s good to see he’s fine today he scored a goal and it’s a real boost.”

Arsenal trail former boss Unai Emery’s Villarreal after losing the away leg of their semi-final 2-1 last week, and the much-needed triumph in the north-east was the north Londoners’ first in four games.

How Arsenal must wish they could play the Magpies every week, as they notched their third victory against the Tynesiders this season while marking their seventh win on the bounce against Bruce’s side and their 16th in their last 17 games in this fixture. 

The impressive Elneny could have scored a second when his header on the half hour was neatly saved by Newcastle keeper Martin Dubravka.

Arteta hailed the Egyptian midfielder’s goal and overall contribution, saying it was “a good one, an important one, and you can see the reaction of his teammates. He’s a popular guy in the dressing room.” 

Arteta also took time to praise Martinelli, who bagged an assist with an excellent cross for Aubameyang to slot home on 66 minutes to seal the points. 

The Arsenal boss said: “Gabi’s taking his minutes in the right way, developing in the way he can. Today he had an assist, some good moments on the left and playing as a number nine as well.”