Arsenal Player Ratings vs Newcastle: Aubameyang at the Double

Arsenal beat Newcastle 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium on Monday’s Premier League clash.

Avoiding defeat in their past four top-flight outings, the manner of the 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace dampened the mood around north London ahead of the visit of Steve Bruce‘s side.

Hoping for a livelier affair than against the Eagles, the first half went by with more than enough chances for Arsenal to take the lead, none of which they succeeded in taking.

It was Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who was guilty of misses, none more guilt-edged than when he struck the post with the goal gaping. By no means an easy chance, it was still one a player of his calibre would be expected to take.

Good thing he took the others, eh? The first was wonderfully assisted by Thomas Partey, a goal that eased the nerves around the Emirates Stadium and demoralised Newcastle. From there the football and the confidence flowed, with Emile Smith Rowe turning the provider.

He set up Bukayo Saka to sweep home, before Cedric then did likewise for Aubameyang. Fears were the first half chances would come back to haunt Arsenal, but there sure did not. A vital win.

Arsenal Goalkeeper & Defenders Ratings

Bernd Leno (GK) – 6/10 – Had nothing to do. Is that a 6?

Cedric Soares (RB) – 7/10 – In only his second Premier League start for the club, Cedric took on the attacking mantle left to him by Hector Bellerin effectively. He supported Bukayo Saka well and whipped in a few dangerous deliveries. Good showing from him.

Rob Holding (CB) – 6/10 – There was some miscommunication with the forwards on a few occasions that resulted in loose balls forward. Otherwise, from a defensive point of view it was a very decent night’s work for the Englishman.

David Luiz (CB) – 5/10 – Again, as seen in midweek, slow on the ball. He attempted to stretch Newcastle with long passes, as was needed, yet the process was too time consuming, allowing the visitors to get back into transition. Couple of nervy moments in possession, too.

Kieran Tierney (LB) – 6/10 – Not quite fit? There were occasions for Aubameyang had isolated his defender one on one, and while he didn’t do enough to beat his man, there was no usual overlap from the Scot. Had some good moments down the left, however, and kept the Magpies at bay.

Arsenal Midfielders Ratings

Thomas Partey (CM) – 8/10 – Wasn’t involved enough in the opening 15 minutes but as soon as he started getting on the ball more Arsenal’s better moments in the match came. He doesn’t need multiple touches before releasing possession and his array of passes made for better variety in attacking phases.

Broke the press and found Aubameyang superbly for the opener, a wonderful example of why he’s brilliantly suited to Premier League football. A calming presence full of natural ability that bursts at the seams. This having played just 25 minutes in six weeks.

Granit Xhaka (CM) – 7/10 – Do you highlight the defensive steel he showed or pick him up on the obvious limitations he has with speed and mobility that were noticeable on Monday? In terms of control, Xhaka did well alongside Partey in dominating the midfield, rarely seeing a pass go astray although on a few occasions his final ball let him down.

Solid outing. By far Partey’s best partner at present.

Emile Smith Rowe (AM) – 8/10 – Another lively showing from Smith Rowe, who has no problem being the brightest spark in a generally blunt side. Drifting into the pockets, linking with his teammates, it was everything we’ve come to be used to from him, topped off with a delightful jinking run to set up Saka for the second.

The future.

Arsenal Forwards Ratings

Bukayo Saka (RW) – 7/10 – Wasn’t as potent as usual but that didn’t prevent Saka from linking up brilliantly with Smith Rowe on a number of occasions and offering balance in the forward line. His energy levels were in their usual abundance, while his unfavoured right foot continues to strike fear into the hearts of Nicolas Pepe and Willian.

Wonderfully worked goal set up for him from Smith Rowe.

Alexandre Lacazette (ST) – 6/10 – An underwhelming first half improved after the break as he started seeing more of the ball during the build-up, coming close to grabbing himself a goal on two occasions only to be denied by fine Karl Darlow saves.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (LW) – 8/10 – Grabbed his goal, albeit with a hint of a slice, the only time on the evening where he managed to beat his isolated defender. Should have scored in the first half when he struck the upright, and also could have done better from Smith Rowe’s cutback.

However, he got himself into the right positions all evening. The first goal he scored will do him far more good than the tap-in he notched in the FA Cup win, while the second was the cherry on the cake and boosts him up to a lovely eight.

Arsenal Substitutes Ratings

Mohamed Elneny – 6/10 – The perfect game for him. At a point where Arsenal didn’t need to plough men forward, Elneny’s conservative approach suited well.

Willian – 4/10 – That corner for David Luiz? His best of the season, barring perhaps the one for Gabriel on the opening day. Shame about the rest. No impact whatsoever.

Gabriel Martinelli – N/A – Not on long enough to earn a rating.