Mikel Arteta said Arsenal's 2-0 win at Newcastle United on Sunday was a "big statement" of the club's progress, 12 months on from a defeat at St James' Park which dealt a major setback to their Champions League ambitions.
A goal in the first half from captain Martin Odegaard - the Norwegian's 15th of the Premier League season - and an own goal by Fabian Schar in the 71st minute earned Arsenal an impressive victory at third-placed Newcastle to kept their title challenge on track.
The Gunners are one point behind leaders Manchester City, who have played one game fewer. The result marks a huge improvement from one year ago when Arsenal, then fifth in the table, lost 2-0 to Newcastle.
It proved fatal to their top-four hopes as Tottenham pipped their rivals to a place in the Champions League. “It meant a lot.