Eberechi Eze's early strike proved to be decisive for the north Londoners
Eberechi Eze's early strike proved to be decisive for the north Londoners (Image: Getty)
Arsenal returned to the summit of the Premier League table with a hard-fought victory over Newcastle, but they didn't have it all their own way. It didn't take long for the Gunners to draw first blood, with Eberechi Eze scoring from outside the box after a well-worked corner routine. Newcastle responded well, though, registering eight shots to Arsenal's one in the period between the goal and half-time.
The hosts were also handed a blow when Kai Havertz was forced off with a suspected groin injury before the break. Arsenal suffered another setback in the second half, with Eze being replaced after going to ground in some discomfort. The atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium was fraught with anxiety as Newcastle continued to push for a leveller in the closing stages. Yoane Wissa missed a sitter with just over 10 minutes remaining to prompt a collective sigh of relief from the home supporters. Luckily for them, no equaliser arrived and Arsenal were able to celebrate three crucial points at the final whistle.
Express Sport rates and slates the Gunners players following today's nervy victory...
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Arsenal player ratings vs Newcastle
David Raya - 7
Made a few important stops, including one to deny Sandro Tonali from a mile out, and distributed the ball reasonably well.
Ben White - 4
Looked a bit nervy at times and failed to offer a great deal going forward. Regularly had to be helped out in defence, too.
William Saliba - 7
Was essentially playing two positions with White needing some extra support on the right. Did enough to earn a clean sheet.
Gabriel Magalhaes - 7
Had a solid game in defence, easily dealing with long balls forward and using his passing range to start attacks from the very back.
Piero Hincapie - 7
Regularly got forward to involve himself in attacking moves. A decent display at both ends, aside from one nervy moment in the closing minutes.
Martin Zubimendi - 6
Got caught on the ball a few times early on but settled down quickly and looked tidy enough for the rest of the match.
Declan Rice - 6
Went under the radar but had a good game in the middle of the park, serving as the glue binding the two halves of the pitch together.
Martin Odegaard - 5
Worked hard but didn't always make the right decisions. Would've hoped for a bigger influence on the game than he managed.
Kai Havertz was one of two Arsenal players forced off due to injuries
Kai Havertz was one of two Arsenal players forced off due to injuries (Image: Getty)
Noni Madueke - 7
Saw plenty of the ball and used his quick footwork to make inroads down the right flank. Was at the heart of most good things.
Eberechi Eze - 8
Opened the scoring with a fantastic strike and was a constant threat in the final third. A strong performance in a massive game.
Kai Havertz - 7
Got the assist for Eze's opening goal before he was forced off with an apparent thigh or groin injury. Hopefully nothing serious.
Substitutes
Viktor Gyokeres - 4
Played most of the game after coming on for Havertz in the first half. Lacked movement in the box and didn't offer much of a threat. A poor display.
Gabriel Martinelli - 6
Came on for Eze just over five minutes into the second period. Did okay without setting the world alight. Booked.
Myles Lewis-Skelly - 6
Introduced for the final 10 minutes with Arsenal hanging on to a narrow lead and did his job well enough.
Bukayo Saka - 7
Got a standing ovation when he made his return from injury in the closing stages. Arsenal looked much better with him on the pitch.
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