Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta admits his side needed the confidence they received from a win against Newcastle United.
The Gunners put in a professional performance to breeze past the Magpies 2-0 away from home in the Premier League.
While the club is unlikely to qualify for Europe through the league, they are still in the Europa League and face a semi final second leg against Villarreal at home on Thursday.
Asked about getting confidence from the Newcastle win, Arteta told reporters: "Yes, we needed the result, that's for sure.
"Not only for Thursday, but for the way the team has played in recent games, and hasn't been rewarded.
"It's true that on Thursday it was two different halves, and this is the best way to prepare for that game.
"But the Premier League is important, the players that haven't played so much played a lot of minutes today and they showed that they can play a really high level."
When quizzed if scoring the first goal was vital to their success against the Magpies, he added: "Yes, absolutely. It brings confidence, it puts us in control.
"I think the team controlled the game really well and we had periods of a lot quality.
"The timing, the movement, the understanding and the chemistry between the players was really good. We scored a good second goal as well."
