Arsenal went into Monday night’s showdown with Newcastle looking to build on wins over Manchester United and Rennes before the international break.
And they had the added incentive of having the chance to leapfrog two of their greatest rivals if they secured three points against the Magpies.
United and Tottenham sat fourth and third respectively above fifth-place Arsenal prior to kick-off at the Emirates.
And they had Aaron Ramsey’s first-half strike to thank as they bolstered their push to secure Champions League qualification.
The Welshman bounced back from having an earlier goal ruled out by putting Arsenal 1-0 up on the half-hour mark.
And fans were left scratching their heads as to why Gunners chiefs did not do more to keep hold of Aaron Ramsey, who will join Juventus in the summer.
Ramsey was not the only impressive performer as Arsenal moved up to third in the Premier League table, with Alexandre Lacazette’s 83rd-minute lob wrapping the game up.
Express Sport is on hand with the Arsenal player ratings following a stellar win over Newcastle that sets Unai Emery’s side up nicely for the run in.
Arsenal player ratings
Bernd Leno – 7
Has grown into his role as Arsenal No 1 having replaced the veteran Petr Cech and delivered another solid when Newcastle threatened.
Shkodran Mustafi – 8
He’s unlikely to be the long-term answer to Emery’s defensive dilemma but did the business as a valuable three points were secured.
Sokratis Papastathopoulos – 7
The no-thrills Greek offered a steady presence at the heart of Arsenal’s favoured back three.
Nacho Monreal – 5
Booked for a silly, lunging challenge midway through the second half which could have seen him sent off had his timing been off.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles – 7
Rarely tested by Newcastle’s attackers and looks at home despite operating in an unfamiliar right wing-back role.
Sead Kolasinac – 7
Decent game for the strapping defender who offers a real menace when he gets forward to support his team-mates.
Aaron Ramsey – 8
Arsenal will get NOTHING from Juventus for the midfielder and his match-winning performance should make the Arsenal top brass wince.
Matteo Guendouzi – 7
A classy customer who is thriving under the tutelage of Emery in north London.
Alex Iwobi – 6
Not the winger’s best game and he was withdrawn having failed to make his mark on proceedings.
Mesut Ozil – 6
Arsenal fans will demand more from the playmaker who’s still struggling to justify his massive £350,000-a-week wages.
Alexandre Lacazette – 8
Saw a goal-bound effort miraculously blocked by Matt Ritchie and saw his hard work rewarded with a late, well-taken finish.
Substitutes
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 7
Forced a smart save from Martin Dubravka, offered a glimpse of his frightening pace with a burst down the right wing and assisted Lacazette.
Mohamed Elneny – 6
Kept the ball ticking over in midfield and always provided an option for his Arsenal co-stars.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – N/A
Introduced too late to have an impact.