Stunning Granit Xhaka free-kick gives Arsenal the lead at Newcastle

What. A. Hit.

Arsenal had Granit Xhaka to thank for their opening goal of the afternoon at St James' Park on Saturday. Goalless at half-time, Unai Emery's side were awarded a free-kick early in the second half which had appeared too far out to trouble Martin Dubravka in the Newcastle United goal. With Mesut Ozil also standing over the ball, Xhaka stepped up and struck the ball with his left foot, finding the top corner of the home side's goal. As ever, we'd love to show you the footage but strict Premier League broadcasting rules mean that we can't. For now, you'll have to make do with a series of still images before you catch it on Match of the Day later on. Arsenal later doubled their lead courtesy of Ozil, who was able to fire home after Alexandre Lacazette's shot had been blocked by a Newcastle defender. Having lost their opening two games of the season to Manchester City and Chelsea, Arsenal have responded with victories over West Ham and Cardiff City prior to their trip to the north east. Their next Premier League game comes at home to Everton next week, after they host FC Vorskla Poltava in the first game of their Europa league campaign on Thursday night.