**Arsenal took to the Emirates Stadium to face Newcastle United in a crucial Premier League clash, knowing momentum at this stage of the season could define their run-in.**
The Gunners made a fast start and found their breakthrough early on.
Eberechi Eze opened the scoring inside the opening exchanges, finishing smartly to hand Mikel Arteta’s side control of the contest.
However, there was concern before the interval.
Kai Havertz was forced off through injury and replaced by Viktor Gyokeres, in a moment that could have wider implications beyond this match.
Arsenal, as expected, enjoyed the lion’s share of possession in the encounter’s early phases but Newcastle remained competitive, showing flashes of threat in transition.
Despite the control, the game never felt entirely settled, with the visitors doing enough to stay within reach. Eberechi Eze was also forced to come off early in the second half worrying the Arsenal fans in attendance. However, Bukayo Saka made his return to the Emirates with a warm reception.
**David Raya – 6/10**
A relatively quiet opening period but remained composed when called upon. Distribution was tidy and assured.
**Ben White –** **6/10**
Balanced his defensive duties with attacking support well. Reliable in duels and composed in possession.
**William Saliba –** **8/10**
Calm and commanding throughout. Read danger early and dealt with Newcastle’s forward play efficiently.
**Gabriel Magalhães –** **8/10**
Strong in physical battles and dominant in the air. Provided a solid presence at the back.
**Piero Hincapié –** **7/10**
Comfortable stepping forward and contributing to build-up play. Defensively secure.
**Martin Ødegaard –** **8/10**
Dictated the tempo in spells and kept Arsenal ticking. Still searching for a decisive final contribution.
**Martin Zubimendi –** **8/10**
Disciplined in the holding role. Positioned himself well to break up play and recycle possession.
**Declan Rice –** **8/10**
Energetic and intelligent with his movement. Covered ground effectively and supported both phases.
**Noni Madueke – 6/10**
Direct and positive. Looked to take on defenders and create openings, though consistency varied.
**Kai Havertz –** **7/10**
Linked play neatly early on but saw his involvement cut short due to injury, a frustrating setback.
**Eberechi Eze –** **9/10**
The difference-maker.
Took his goal with composure and consistently looked Arsenal’s most dangerous attacking outlet.
**Subs:**
**Gabriel Martinelli – 6/10**
Didn’t quite adapt to the game as much as Eze did in the first half but linked up play nicely with Odegaard and Saka in the later stages.
**Viktor Gyokeres – 5/10**
With the system suited to Kai Havertz, it looked very difficult for Gyokeres to make a real difference. He did contribute well in terms of pressing and coming back to support the team defensively but was nowhere near as direct as Havertz.
**Bukayo Saka – 6/10**
Made an immediate impact to the game, it is clear Arsenal have been massively missing his attacking prowess. Linked nicely with Odegaard and Martinelli throwing it back to the 22/23 season.
**Myles Lewis-Skelly** **– 6/10**
Myles Lewis-Skelly was finally able to receive minutes in the midfield, which most fans have been widely asking for all season. Did well to carry the ball through the middle but was mainly responsible for assisting with the defence to maintain the Gunners lead.
In a game that demanded a moment of quality, Eze delivered.
His early strike gave Arsenal control, but his overall influence extended beyond the goal.
Composed in possession.
Sharp in movement.
Decisive when it mattered.