LONDON, Aug11: Steve Bruce’s reign as Newcastle United manager began in disappointing fashion as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s second-half goal sealed a 1-0 victory for Arsenal at a subdued St James’ Park on Sunday.
After a largely forgettable first half in which Newcastle was slightly the better side, Arsenal eased to a comfortable three points thanks to Aubameyang’s 58th-minute strike.
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Newcastle handed 40 million pound record signing Joelinton a debut upfront and he showed some flashes of intent in the first half but the hosts fizzled out after the break.
The Gunners had to wait until April to keep their first away clean sheet in the Premier League last season but looked solid as they opened their campaign in encouraging fashion.
The closest Newcastle came to scoring was in the first half when Jonjo Shelvey’s powerful shot glanced the upright.
