Eberechi Eze’s early attack proved decisive for the people of North London. (Image: Getty)
Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League with a hard-fought victory over Newcastle, but it hasn’t been entirely their way. It didn’t take long for the Gunners to take the lead, with Eberechi Eze scoring from outside the box after a well-worked corner routine. But Newcastle also responded well, having eight shots to Arsenal’s one between goal and half-time.
The hosts were also dealt a blow before the break when Kai Havertz was sent off with a suspected groin injury. Arsenal fell back again in the second half, with Eze feeling a little uncomfortable and being substituted. The atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium was filled with anxiety as Newcastle continued to hunt for an equalizer in the closing stages. With just over 10 minutes left in the game, Yoan Ouissa missed the target and the home fans let out a collective sigh of relief. Fortunately, there was no equaliser, and Arsenal were able to celebrate the all-important three points at the final whistle.
Express Sport rates and plans for the Gunners’ players following today’s exciting win…
Arsenal vs Newcastle player ratings
David Raya – 7
He made several important stops, including stopping Sandro Tonali’s attack from a mile short, and distributed the ball well.
Looked a little nervous at times and couldn’t offer any great deals going forward. Defensively he also had to be helped regularly.
Essentially playing in two positions, White needed additional support on the right flank. They did a good enough job achieving a clean sheet.
Defensively, he played solidly, handling long balls forward with ease and using his passing range to launch attacks from the back.
He regularly came forward and took part in the attack. Other than a tense moment near the end, both ends had decent performances.
He got caught on the ball a few times early on, but quickly settled down and looked clean enough for the rest of the game.
Although unremarkable, he played a good game in the middle of the park and acted as the glue that held the two halves of the pitch together.
I worked hard, but I didn’t always make the right decisions. You would have hoped to have a bigger impact on the game than he managed.
Kai Havertz was one of two Arsenal players sent off due to injury (Image: Getty)
He captured the ball well and used quick footwork to invade the right side. It was at the heart of most good things.
He took the lead with a great strike and was a constant threat in the final third. He showed a strong performance in a large-scale match.
He assisted Eze’s opening goal, but was sent off with a thigh or groin injury. I hope it’s nothing serious.
substitute
Victor Gokeres – 4
He came on as a substitute for Havertz in the first half and played most of the match. He lacked movement in the box and didn’t offer much of a threat. Poor display.
Eze came on just over five minutes into the second period. It worked without setting the world on fire. I made a reservation.
He was brought on in the final 10 minutes with Arsenal narrowly leading and did his job well enough.
When he returned from injury in the final stages, he received a standing ovation. Arsenal looked much better with him on the pitch.
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