Laurent Koscielny was the hero on Saturday, scoring the lone goal in Arsenal’s 1-0 over Newcastle United.
Arsenal were all smiles as they rung in 2016, sitting first place in the Premier League table. The Gunners were full of confidence with Newcastle United coming to town on Saturday, but knew that they needed to earn all three points.
The visitors managed to keep the home side at bay for the vast majority of the game, but it was not to be their day. Mesut Ozil might have been the best player in the entire Premier League during the first half of the season, and on Saturday he delivered again.
72 minutes of scoreless soccer, the German whipped in another incredible corner kick that Olivier Giroud managed to get on the end of. While the Frenchman had his shot stopped by Newcastle goalkeeper, Robert Elliot, Laurent Koscielny, was able to bury the rebound.
The goal was all that Arsenal needed on the day, with Newcastle unable to find the back of the net. They remain in the relegation zone, sitting in 18th spot with 17 points from 20 matches.
Arsenal on the other hand, continue to be the team to beat in the Premier League. With Leicester City dropping points by drawing Bouremouth on Saturday, the Gunners now two point lead atop the table. Despite the humiliating 4-0 Boxing Day defeat against Southampton, Arsene Wenger’s side have won five of their last six Premier League matches.
The Premier League leaders will now turn their attention to the FA Cup, as they host Sunderland next Saturday at 10 a.m. ET.