Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed his optimism that the Newcastle United goal would be the start of good things for club skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Gabonese international Aubameyang, fondly called Auba, was on target for the Gunners in their FA Cup third round victory over Newcastle United and his manager is hopeful that it would be the start of a good spell in front of goal for the player.

According to Arteta, it was key for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to score against the Magpies. The Arsenal manager talked about Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang during his post-match presser after the game.

Mikel Arteta led Arsenal to win the FA Cup last season and he has already talked about winning it again this term.

Arteta and his Arsenal players needed extra time to see off Newcastle United in their third round clash at the Emirates Stadium over the weekend. Extra time was needed to determine who will progress into the fourth round of the competition after a goalless affair at the end of normal time.

Young Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith-Rowe broke the deadlock for the hosts in the second half of extra time after the mistake from Newcastle United centre back Ciaran Clark. Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette came off the bench at the start of that second half of extra time to play a part in the opening goal. Pierre-EmerickAubameyang added a second goal off a Kieran Tierney cross to wrap up the win for Arsenal.

Pierre-EmerickAubameyang has been a shadow of his usual self in front of goal this season and the Gunners fans would be hoping that the Newcastle United goal will propel him back to form. He has now scored two goals in his last four games either side of the injury that forced him to miss two games recently. He has six goals this season.