ARSENAL bounced back from last week’s defeat to Liverpool with a comfortable 2-0 victory at home to Newcastle.
Bukayo Saka opened the scoring with an expert finish just before the hour mark, but in a blow to Mikel Arteta had to come off injured just minutes later.
Gabriel Martinelli made it two with a glorious first time volley from an inch-perfect ball over the top from Takehiro Tomiyasu.
All-in-all it was a routine victory for Arsenal who draw level on points with fourth-placed West Ham ahead of their trip to Manchester City on Sunday.
Here’s how SunSport’s Giacomo Pisa rated the Gunners’ performances.
Aaron Ramsdale – 7/10
Called into action once in the first half, making a stunning save to deny Jonjo Shelvey from long range.
Apart from that it was a quiet day in between the sticks for the England man.
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Takehiro Tomiyasu – 8
Proving to be a shrewd addition for just £20million and defended very well against Allan Saint-Maximin.
Looked solid at the back again and always eager to overlap down the right, proven with exquisite ball in for Martinelli’s goal.
Also made one vital interception at the end of the first half to stop the ball reaching Matt Ritchie who would have been through on goal.
Ben White – 6
Looked more comfortable today after being ran ragged by Mohamed Salah and Co last week.
Dealt with the physicality of Joelinton well.
Gabriel – 6
An assured performance alongside White.
Restricted Callum Wilson to very little at all throughout the game, solid performance.
Nuno Tavares – 8
Bounced back brilliantly after his shocker last week, set up Saka for the opener with a smart assist.
Constantly made bursting runs down the left and delivered a couple of dangerous balls into the box begging to be headed in.
Thomas Partey – 6
Broke up Newcastle attacks effectively.
Stopped the Magpies at source and was the type of commanding performance that made Arsenal sign him.
Albert Sambi Lokonga – 6
Good midfield battle with Shelvey.
Also made some good forward passes between the lines and into the feet of Odegaard.
Emile Smith Rowe – 7
Lively as ever going forward, always looking to drive at the Newcastle defence.
Should have scored with a close range header before the break but another competent performance from the youngster.
Bukayo Saka – 8
Superb link-up with Smith Rowe and Tavares to score the first goal with a well-taken taken goal.
Constantly causing problems and willing to drift infield from his position on the right to give Newcastle defenders something to think about.
Was Arsenal’s best player until he had to be replaced just after the hour mark after going down holding his thigh.
Martin Odegaard – 7
First Premier League start in five games and was denied a replica goal to the one he scored against Burnley by a fine Martin Dubravka save.
Made himself an option and didn’t every shy away from the ball, but was lacking end product in the final third.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 5
The Arsenal skipper delivered a true miss of the season contender in the first half.
He somehow managed to hit the post from three yards out with the goal at his mercy and Dubravka on the floor.
Subs
Gabriel Martinelli (64) – 8
Scored with his second touch after being subbed on in place of Saka.
Alexandre Lacazette (76) – 5
Rifled one effort from a tight angle into the side netting.
Mohamed Elneny (85) – N/A
Unused subs: Bernd Leno, Kieran Tierney, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Rob Holding, Nicolas Pepe, Eddie Nketiah.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
