Arsenal vs Newcastle
4-0
The winter break looks to have done Mikel’s players well, putting in a performance in which they looked refreshed, clinical and up for the fight in the latter stages of the season.
The Gunners started much like the weather leading up to the game, horrendous, moving the ball in a pedestrian manner due to a lack of movement throughout the whole team. It seemed as though every Arsenal player wanted the ball to feet and as a result meant nobody was moving when off the ball, making it very easy for the away side to defend. The Magpies had an early chance, chipping the ball to the edge of the box from a corner, where Longstaff met it on the volley causing Ceballos to stick his head in the way and almost deflect the ball past Leno. The home side didn’t have any clear cut chances in the first half, apart from a nicely struck free-kick from Nicolas Pepe which was tipped over by Dubravka. Going into the break it was all to play for at 0-0.
Whatever Arteta said at halftime seemed to kick Arsenal into gear, as within a minute of the restart, Ozil threaded a nice reverse pass to Pepe who took on his man and found Nketiah in the six yard box, only for the youngster to fire it onto the crossbar. After this, it was all one way traffic and eventually Arsenal were able to get the breakthrough as Pepe clipped a cross to the back post, where Aubameyang towered over his man to head the ball into the far post. The domination didn’t stop there, as three minutes later Saka found himself on the left wing in a 2v1 situation, the odds against him, however he cleverly nutmegged his marker and found Pepe in the box for him to slot home. Almost a carbon copy of his finish against Manchester United. Newcastle were rarely able to get out of their own half, but when they did, Saint-Maxim looked as lively as ever. The French powerful winger was a real handful for Bellerin, picking up the ball and caressing it into the far corner only for it to hit the post and come back out. As the game looked to be coming to an uneventful close, the home side strung together a 35 pass move, which was luckily finished by Ozil due to a clanger by Dubravka. Then, with seconds left on the clock, Pepe ran at the defeated Magpie’s defence and squared a nice pass into Lacazette who managed to keep his shot down, into the top corner. Everyone could see just how much it meant to him. All in all, Arteta will be very pleased with the second half performance and the three points in Arsenal’s hunt for European Football next year.
Player Ratings
Bernd Leno
Only had one real save to make from Longstaff’s deflected shot, but did it well. Distribution still has to improve. 7/10
Hector Bellerin
Had a tough game against an inform Saint-Maxim, who I thought had the beating of him. Worked hard and made some good runs at times. 6.5/10
Shkodran Mustafi
Had a solid game, won some important headers from free-kicks. Was comfortable throughout and played some good passes. 7/10
David Luiz
Organised the defence well and started attacks from deep well with some accurate passes. Didn’t have a lot to do in the second half. 7/10
Bukayo Saka
Another monstrous display from left back, causing problems going forward, getting an excellent assist. Looked solid defensively as well. 8.5/10
Dani Ceballos
Controlled the tempo, especially in the second half. Used the ball effectively, created a couple of chances. Did his defensive duties well, breaking up Newcastle attacks often. 8/10
Granit Xhaka
Picked up a silly booking early on, but recovered well. Made some brillant passes into our more creative players that split the lines. 7/10
Mesut Ozil
One of his best games this season, in the first half he was the only player who looked capable of creating anything. Second half he continued in the same way with some clever passes. Managed to notch his first goal of the season due to Dubravka’s mistake. 8/10
Nicolas Pepe
Was threatening throughout, especially in the second half. Set up two goals and finished Saka’s cross to ensure we got all three points. Easily his best performance of the season. My MOTM. 9/10
Aubameyang
Scored the vital first goal with an excellent header. So reliable in front of goal as this was his only real chance in the game. Made some more effective attacking runs in the second half, getting in behind the Newcastle defence. 7.5/10
Eddie Nketiah
Was slightly surprised to see him in the starting 11. Didn’t get a lot of service throughout barring that one chance Pepe gave him, which he probably should have scored. Worked very hard as usual. 6.5/10
Subs
Lucas Torreira
When he came on we were in full control. Didn’t have much defending to do, but moved the ball well when needed. 6/10
Alexandre Lacazette
Only played 10 minutes, but looked like a different player from recent weeks. Set up Ozil’s goal with an excellent assist and managed to fire Pepe’s pass into the top corner for a much needed goal. Had a point to prove today and took his chance. 8/10
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James Humphreys
Gunners Daily 