Arsenal earned a big three points this afternoon after hanging on to a 2-1 victory against Newcastle. A blistering first half display from the Gunners saw Olivier Giroud score two before a rejuvenated Newcastle side pulled one back through Moussa Sissoko in the second. Here’s how Arsene Wenger’s men rated:
David Ospina (GK): 6
Despite being something of a spectator in the first half, the Colombian experienced a busy second, denying both Remy Cabella and Moussa Sissoko with important saves. However he lacked presence on set pieces and hardly inspired confidence in a somewhat shaky defence this afternoon. He had little chance on the goal but with Wojciech Szczęsny waiting in the wings, Ospina must improve.
Callum Chambers (RB): 6
Great going forward in the first half, but struggled at times to cope with the pace and trickery of Sami Ameobi. Redeemed himself however with some big clearances and important ball retention in the second.
Gabriel (CB): 5
The Brazilian was poor today, misplacing too many passes, particularly in the second half when Arsenal were already toiling to retain possession. Probably should have spotted Sissoko on the Newcastle goal but of course teething problems, and that’s what they are, are to be expected as he adapts to life in the Premier League.
Laurent Koscielny (CB): 8
The Frenchman was imperious in the first half, nipping ahead of his man time and again to win the ball while he was one of the few Arsenal players to retain their level of performance throughout the 90 minutes. A Mertesacker/Koscienly axis in defence still appears to be the best fit for this Arsenal team at present.
Nacho Monreal (LB): 7
Solid as always from Nacho even if he was sloppy on the Newcastle goal. Kieran Gibbs has a fight on to regain his place in the side.
Francis Coquelin (DM): 7
Fantastic in the first half as he broke up play enabling Arsenal to launch attack after attack. Loses a point for his positioning on the goal but overall his importance to the team can’t be understated. Took another nasty blow to the nose for his troubles.
Aaron Ramsey (CM): 6
A strange game from the Welshman. In the first half his penetrative runs were key in Arsenal’s dominance but he really should’ve done better when played through brilliantly by Giroud. Furthermore he could’ve tracked Sissoko’s run on the goal and he almost tried too hard to make things happen in a poor second half for the Gunners.
Santi Cazorla (CM): 7
Some fantastic touches again from the little magician, yet the mid-week exertions in Monaco clearly affected him. Taken off for Mathieu Flamini when he ran out of steam.
Danny Welbeck (LW): 7
You really have to appreciate the shift he puts in for the team (take note Theo) and on number of occasions put together fantastic dribbles into the Newcastle box. Probably should’ve at least hit the target in the first half from Alexis’ pull-back.
Alexis (RW): 6
The Chilean, outstanding for much of the season, struggled today and it’s clear that he more than most is struggling with fatigue. Worked incredibly hard as always yet time and again passes and dribbles didn’t come off. Gets an extra point for that sumptuous flick over Gabriel Obertan to set up Welbeck.
Olivier Giroud: (CF): 8
The big man loves a game against Newcastle (that’s 8 in 6 now against the Magpies) and the two goals were immense. The first showcased great instinct while the second was all about his strength. Add to that his fantastic hold-up play throughout and its fair to argue that Olivier is the League’s best striker on current form (go away Harry Kane).
Subs:
71 minutes: Mathieu Flamini (DM): 5
Came on to shore up the defence but was poor. Misplaced a number of passes and did more pointing and shouting rather than defending. Come on Mathieu!
71 minutes: Tomas Rosicky (LW): 6
Buzzed around as he does but struggled to make an impact.
89 minutes: Hector Bellerin (RW): N/A
Came on to add another body in defence. Could’ve provided Giroud with his hattrick had his final pass been better.
