Mark Lawrenson states his prediction for Newcastle v Arsenal

Mark Lawrenson is tipping Arsenal to ease to a 2-0 victory at Newcastle United in their season opener on Sunday afternoon.

The Gunners have been one of the busiest clubs in the summer transfer window as the Europa League runners up looked to strengthen their squad.

Arsenal signed Brazilian teenager Gabriel Martinelli at the start of July before the Gunners snapped up Saint-Etienne defender William Saliba in a £36m deal.

Emery signed his compatriot Dani Ceballos on a season-long loan from Real Madrid before Arsenal smashed their transfer record to sign Lille winger Nicolas Pepe in a £72m deal.

Arsenal’s spending didn’t stop there as the north London side signed Celtic full-back Kieran Tierney and Chelsea FC defender David Luiz on transfer deadline day.

Former Liverpool FC defender Lawrenson is confident Arsenal’s attack will get them over the line in their season opener against Newcastle at St James’ Park.

“As much as I know Newcastle fans loved Rafa Benitez, I think new Magpies boss Steve Bruce is a good manager, and he has done some good jobs in the Premier League,” Lawrenson told BBC Sport.

“The supporters need to get behind him, and their new signings.

“This is a tough start for Bruce, though, because Arsenal have got a lot of firepower.

“I am not sure the Gunners have strengthened significantly at the back by signing David Luiz and Kieran Tierney, but their attack is good enough to win games like this anyway.”

Arsenal have failed to finish in the Premier League’s top four in the last three campaigns.

The Gunners appointed Emery as their manager in 2018 after Arsene Wenger’s long spell in charge at The Emirates.

Arsenal haven’t won the Premier League title since the Gunners finished unbeaten in the 2003-04 season.

Emery’s side will be hoping to go at least one step better than last term and finish in fourth place this term given their investment.

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