Arsenal moved two points adrift of the top of the Premier League table after the Gunners thrashed Newcastle United 4-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, keeping the Premier League title race very close.

With the win against the Magpies, Arsenal extended their league form to six consecutive victories, scoring 25 goals in the process which took them to a point behind second-placed Manchester City, who are on 58 points.

They are two points adrift of table leaders Liverpool, who are on 60 points — with each team left with 12 matches to play as the title remains open for anyone to lay their hands on the silverware.

Sven Botman’s 18th minute own goal gave Arsenal the lead before Kai Havertz, who made a run into the Newcastle United’s box, calmly latched Gabriel Martinelli’s assist into the net to double the lead.

In the 65th minute, Bukayo Saka added Arsenal’s third goal in the game after drifting with a pass from Havertz before whipping his left-footed effort into the bottom-left corner of the net.

Four minutes later, Declan Rice, from a set-piece, delivered a cross into the Newcastle United’s box which defender Jakub Kiwior flicked, allowing the ball to make its way past Loris Karius, who failed to stop it.

It was the former Liverpool goalkeeper’s first Premier League start since 2018.

Former Arsenal youngster, Joe Willock, scored a consolation goal for the visitors as he headed home Daniel Burn’s cross with a little bit of help from the goalpost.

The Magpies’ struggles continued this season as they remained eighth on the league table with 37 points from 26 games, 15 points adrift of the Champions League spot which they qualified for last season.

Meanwhile, Manchester City, on the road, defeated Bournemouth 1-0 at the Vitality Stadium in one of the other matches played on Saturday to keep Liverpool on their toes in the bid to defend the title.

Phil Foden’s first half goal from Erling Haaland’s shot that was spilled by goalkeeper, Neto, was enough for Pep Guardiola’s side to secure the maximum three points in the tough encounter.