Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s hat-trick hopes ended with a toilet break in Arsenal’s win over Newcastle

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang pulled Arsenal to victory with two valuable goals – but missed a hat trick because he needed a toilet break.

Aubameyang was substituted two minutes after his second goal and Mikel Arteta admitted the Arsenal captain needed to make a dash for the dressing room.

“Yeah he had to come in so we had to change him,” said Arteta who then smiled as he said his match winner must have a “stomach problem”.

But it was an important night for Aubameyang who missed out on a first-half keeper and struggled for goals this season before striking twice after the break.

The boss of the gunners, Arteta, said: “I thought [Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang] had two or three very big chances in the first half that he didn’t score.

“But those goals today will give him a lot of confidence, so it’s good for the team.

“That’s what he’s been doing throughout his career, he’s always carried on and scored big goals when he needed to and that’s what he’s done for us tonight.

“I’m really happy. Collectively and individually it was really strong. Overall the team looked confident, strong and very clear on what we needed to do. I’m very happy with the clean sheet and goals.”

Arteta also praised youngsters Emile Smith-Rowe and Bukayo Saka who teamed up for the latter’s goal as Arsenal put more pressure on Newcastle boss Steve Bruce.

Arteta said: “I know what young players are capable of. They put a smile on my face.

“It is a credit to them and their teammates. Their performances have been extraordinary.

“The expectations will be high with them, so we have to accompany them on the right path. It’s a mix of energy, passion, and a little immaturity at times, which is good because you don’t play that tense. They did really well.

Arteta has also confirmed that Mesut Ozil is close to completing his move to Fenerbahce in the coming days and said he will be missed despite his extended departure.

Arteta added: “He is now in Turkey. He has a medical exam and there are some paperwork to do. Once the deal is done, we’ll make an announcement.

“We are always sorry to see a player of this quality leave the club.”

Bruce is now fighting to save his job but has insisted the performance against Arsenal was an improvement.

Bruce added: “You’re going to have a hard time if you’re in the Premier League and in the bottom half. We need to dust ourselves off, regain that confidence and try to win games wherever we can.

“It’s a good balance. Unfortunately, throwing bodies forward in an attempt to score to win the game and we were punished.

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