Scoring his third goal of the season, Laurent Koscielny got Arsenal’s 2016 off to a winning start.
Things could have been very different with the Gunners looking leggy after a tough pre-season that saw them unable to rotate properly due to the injury problems the club are currently suffering.
With 72 minutes on the clock and Newcastle enjoying the best of the chances, it was the French defender who popped up to slot home and, although they came close, Newcastle couldn’t get themselves on the scoresheet.
Punishment for timewasting from the 30th minute perhaps?
Taking to Twitter after the game, Kos was clearly delighted with his contribution:
VICTORY ⚽️🔝👍 #AFCvNUFC ! pic.twitter.com/zVADphJ1R1
— Koscielny (@6_LKOSCIELNY) January 2, 2016