Arsenal’s unbeaten start to the Premier League season is over as Newcastle ran out 1-0 winners over the Gunners on Saturday off the back of Anthony Gordon’s goal midway through the second half.
In a first half of few chances, Kai Havertz sparked the game into life with a reckless challenge on Sean Longstaff that saw him narrowly avoid a red card, while three Newcastle players were booked for their protests.
The game improved after the break, and it was the home side who broke the deadlock through Gordon, who finished from close-range before having to endure an agonising wait while three different criteria were checked by VAR before the goal was given.
Arsenal will feel they should have dealt bette with Joe Willock’s ball into the box which led to Gordon’s goal, and despite Mikel Arteta making some attacking substitutes in the final 20 minutes, his side couldn’t find a way back into the game, and now face being left behind somewhat in the early weeks of the title race.
90minsoccer rates Arsenal’s players from St. James’ Park…
In a game where he had little to do, making a mess of Willock’s cross led to Newcastle taking the lead. Still far from convincing.
Solid enough in his work going both directions. Did well to get back and block an effort from Gordon early in the second half.
Outstanding in the first half as he extinguished a number of Newcastle attacks. Looked a little less solid after the break, but remains a top performer.
The target of Newcastle’s press, the Brazilian didn’t deal with it overly well, especially in the opening half an hour. Too weak under challenge from Joelinton for the Newcastle opener.
Drifted into the middle well after being preferred to Zinchenko, and got forward down the outside too. Struggled at times, especially when Tripper overlapped.
Declan Rice
Carried the ball well through midfield and won plenty of challenges to switch the game’s momentum.
Jorginho
Did a lot of good work both off the ball and in possession. Looked to be incisive with his passing, though coudn’t create anything of note.
Kai Havertz
Actually showed some nice touches in place of the injured Odegaard, but brainless challenges threatened to end his night early. Lucky not to be sent off and still needs to show more to justify his price tag.
Bukayo Saka
Far from his best night. Sloppy in possession at times, and too often ran down blind alleys. Worth wondering how fit he actually is.
Eddie Nketiah
Had little to no service, and did keep the ball moving for the most part when he got it. Just couldn’t get the chances to put the ball in the net.
Gabriel Martinelli
Arsenal’s most potent attacking threat, he fired straight at Pope after a nice run in the first half. Couldn’t quite find the cutting edge to break Newcastle down.
Oleksandr Zinchenko
On for the final 20 minutes but couldn’t provide much attacking thrust from left-back.
Leandro Trossard
Unable to create anything of note in just over 10 minutes on the pitch. Set-piece delivery was abysmal.
Fabio Vieira
A late foul throw as Arsenal looked to launch an attack summed up his short cameo.
Mikel Arteta
Team selection can’t be criticised, but his side played as if they were trying not to lose until they went 1-0 down. More thrust will be needed if they are to win the league this season.
