Arsenal player ratings vs Newcastle: Piero Hincapie a monster as Eberechi Eze delivers magic moment | OneFootball

A nervy win for the Gunners as they reclaim top spot in Premier League table

Arsenal got their Premier League title push back on track with a 1-0 win over Newcastle in north London.

However, Arsenal held on to bounce back from consecutive league defeats and keep themselves right in the title race.

Matt Verri was at the Emirates Stadium to rate the Arsenal players...

David Raya 7

Brilliant save to get down and keep out Tonali’s swerving effort, with the sun glaring in his eyes. Distribution was sharp and did his best as a cheerleader when the fans got frustrated.

Ben White 7

Pressed up well to harry Burn at times and force Newcastle mistakes. Clever pass in behind set Madueke away early on. Delivered with Timber out again.

William Saliba 6

Left Osula too much space in opening minute and struggled at times against striker. Let Wissa drift off him for huge chance in the second-half. Really calm on the ball, though.

Gabriel 7

Like a magnet to any crosses, making five headed clearances. Not quite as involved one-on-one as Saliba but was in the right place when required. Key to another clean sheet.

Piero Hincapie 8

Monster in defence. Aggressive as ever one-on-one, making five tackles. Sensational in stoppage-time - particularly up against Elanga - when Newcastle piled on the pressure. Relentless energy up and down the wing.

Martin Zubimendi 6

Continued his recent slight upturn in form. Good energy in midfield and had one effort blocked when bursting into the box. Tidy enough without really controlling things.

Declan Rice 5

Made a mess of one second-half chance when trying to cut inside. Very deep in the first half alongside centre-backs and far less influence in midfield - not interceptions and no passes.

Noni Madueke 3

Incredibly frustrating. No confidence when he gets into good positions, taking an extra touch and then matching it with terrible execution. Standing offside when found by one switch summed up woeful display.

Frustrating: Noni Madueke

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Martin Odegaard 5

Key to Arsenal’s early short corner success. Had almost a free role in possession and saw plenty of the ball, but too often he was too safe with his decision-making. Arsenal need him taking risks.

Eberechi Eze 7

Delivered the magic to open the scoring, whipping a brilliant strike into the top corner. So exciting when drifting inside - one lovely dummy and another nutmeg to draw a foul. Forced off early in the second half.

Kai Havertz 5

Some nice link-up early on and provided the assist when playing the ball back for Eze’s opener. Huge blow that he limped off with barely half an hour played. Looked devastated.

Viktor Gyokeres (Havertz 35’) 4

Hold-up play not good enough, as has been a theme. Made a mess of stoppage-time counter. But worked hard and nearly got Pope sent off when hauled down.

Gabriel Martinelli (Eze 53’) 5

Tested Pope with an overhead kick but otherwise some really poor moments in possession. Had moments almost as a No10 and it didn’t suit him.

Myles Lewis-Skelly (Zubimendi 80’) 5

Rare minutes in midfield. Woltemade too easily burst away from him for one Newcastle counter.

Bukayo Saka (Madueke 80’) 7

Really bright cameo. Deflected strike bobbled just wide within a minute of coming on. Immediately lifted the attack.