ARSENAL kept their title dream alive with a battling win over Champions League hopefuls Newcastle.
The Gunners had a big slice of fortune as Toon hit the woodwork twice, while Aaron Ramsdale also produced a series of stunning saves.
At the other end Martin Odegaard produced a captain’s performance and better finishing could have seen Mikel Arteta’s side out of sight by half-time.
Granit Xhaka was brilliant at both ends of the pitch and on another day he or Gabriel Martinelli would have picked up the Man of the Match award.
Ramsdale also put in a heroic performance once again and the Gunners will be confident they can pick up maximum points from their last three games as this was their toughest game left… on paper, at least.
Here is how SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rated the Arsenal display.
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Aaron Ramsdale – 9
Got down well to deny Joe Willock and keep his side in front midway through the first half.
Produced several saves after the break to somehow keep his side ahead as Newcastle piled on the pressure – his point blank save from Sven Botman’s header the pick of the bunch.
Ben White – 8
Dealt with Newcastle’s dangerman Alexander Isak well and helped out Kiwior.
Had to be switched on at all times on and off the ball and he was – a very assured display.
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Jakub Kiwior – 8
Escaped a penalty being given against him for handball in the opening ten minutes thanks to VAR.
An otherwise stellar performance, very impressive given this was just his fourth Premier League appearance and second start.
Gabriel – 8
Deserves credit for keeping a lid on Callum Wilson and an extra mark for keeping a clean sheet at St James’ Park, a difficult feat this season.
Oleksandr Zinchenko – 6
Two of Newcastle’s biggest chances came down Arsenal’s left flank as Jacob Murphy caused the Ukrainian problems, and he was hooked just after the hour mark.
He was useful on the ball however and moved into midfield to help his side retain possession when they were in need of a breather.
Jorginho – 7
Was a calming presence in midfield and was able to get Arsenal going in the first half.
But he provided little protection for the back four after the break when Newcastle started to apply pressure and overran the Gunners’ midfield.
Granit Xhaka – 8
One pinpoint through ball for Bukayo Saka in the first half that the winger ought to have scored from.
Produced a goal-saving tackle to deny Willock when the former Gooner looked certain to score.
Martin Odegaard – 9
Scored a brilliant daisy-cutting drive from long-range to break the deadlock – a real captain’s goal.
Cut open the Toon backline on multiple occasions in the first half and had another effort cleared off the line.
Bukayo Saka – 6
Had a lively first half but should have scored to double his side’s advantage when put through by Xhaka.
Was quieter second half and a bit leggy as he has been in recent games.
Gabriel Martinelli – 8
Squandered a few chances in the first half including one where he was one-on-one with Nick Pope with the goalkeeper saving well.
But he was a constant threat with his movement and pace and was very unlucky to see one curling effort bounce back off the bar, while it was his cross that was turned into the net by Fabian Schar for Arsenal’s second.
Gabriel Jesus – 5
Spent most of his time throwing himself to the ground claiming fouls and was probably the worst of Arsenal’s attacking players.
Some clever touches in and around the box but did not show enough given his talent.
Subs
Kieran Tierney (for Zinchenko, 61mins) – 7
Brought on to shore up the Arsenal defence and he did exactly that. Showed good leadership.
Leandro Trossard (for Martinelli, 80mins) – 5
Did not influence the game as he would have liked but he did not see much of the ball, in fairness.
Thomas Partey (for Odegaard, 80mins) – 6
Helped to settle the game down and deterred any late Newcastle pressure.
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Reiss Nelson (for Saka, 87mins) – 5
Did not have enough time to affect the game with Arsenal happy to defend their lead when he was brought on.
Eddie Nketiah (for Jesus, 87mins) – 5
Was involved in a flare-up in added time and booked for pushing Schar, though it did help to waste time.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
