Arsenal beat Newcastle 1-0 at the Emirates, with Eberechi Eze the standout performer in a controlled display.
Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League with a 1-0 win over Newcastle United, and it was Eberechi Eze’s early strike that ultimately separated the sides at the Emirates Stadium. Here’s how the players performed on a night that demanded control as much as quality:
David Raya – 7
Had to stay alert despite Newcastle lacking consistent quality in the final third. Made an awkward save from Sandro Tonali’s bouncing effort and handled late pressure well.
Ben White – 6
Steady defensively and kept things simple in possession. Did not offer huge attacking threat, but was rarely caught out.
William Saliba – 7
Survived one early moment when William Osula got in behind, but settled quickly. Strong in duels and important as Arsenal defended late crosses.
Gabriel – 7
One of Arsenal’s most reliable performers again. Aggressive when he needed to be, dominant in the air and key to the clean sheet.
Piero Hincapie – 8
A composed display at left-back. Defended his side well, carried the ball forward when possible and gave Arsenal balance in build-up. Relentless throughout.
Martin Zubimendi – 6
Important in breaking up Newcastle attacks and keeping Arsenal compact. His positioning helped stop the game becoming too stretched.
Declan Rice – 6
Covered ground well and helped Arsenal stay secure in midfield. Not at his most dominant in possession, but still offered control and protection.
Martin Odegaard – 5
Played a clever part in the corner routine that led to the goal. Grew into the game after a quiet start and forced a good late save from Nick Pope. Took the safe option too often throughout the match.
Noni Madueke – 4
Set up the goal by finding Havertz inside the box from the corner routine. Found himself in great positions, but failed to execute on multiple occasions.
Eberechi Eze – 7
The match-winner. Took his goal superbly, drilling into the top corner from the edge of the box. Arsenal’s brightest attacking player before going off with a knock.
Kai Havertz – 5
Provided the lay-off for Eze’s goal and looked sharp before being forced off with a muscular injury after just 34 minutes.
Substitutes
Viktor Gyokeres – 4
Struggled to offer the same rhythm as Havertz after coming on. Almost had a big moment when Pope brought him down outside the area.
Gabriel Martinelli – 5
Worked hard and tried to stretch Newcastle late on. His overhead kick from a corner went straight at Pope.
Bukayo Saka – 6
A positive return after a month out. Showed real signs in his cameo. Cut inside almost immediately and saw a deflected effort go just wide.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 5
Helped Arsenal see the game out and gave Arteta fresh legs late on. Kept things tidy in a tense finish.