Arsenal player ratings vs Newcastle: Elneny and Aubameyang strike in win

Arsenal player ratings vs Newcastle: Mohamed Elneny and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang score in 2-0 Premier League win. (Photo by Lindsey Parnaby – Pool/Getty Images)

Arsenal secured a vital win for confidence as goals from Mohamed Elneny and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang saw off Newcastle 2-0 in the Premier League on Sunday.

Mikel Arteta had to lift his side up from their midweek disappointment against Villarreal and opted to make changes in his forward line with starts for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Willian and Gabriel Martinelli.

With no Joe Willock for the hosts due to the rules of his loan Newcastle had no control in midfield, which is precisely where the opening goal came from. Hector Bellerin was well found by David Luiz’s ball, and his cross into the box fell to Mohamed Elneny who struck a delightful half-volley through Martin Dubravka.

Arsenal were in control for the entirety of the first half, only surrendering pressure for short spells where the Magpies had no threat to show for it.

Arsenal player ratings vs Newcastle in the Premier League as Mohamed Elneny and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang secure 2-0 win

Mat Ryan was forced into a fine save to tip over Allan Saint-Maximin’s deflected effort while Elneny saw a header cleared off the line from Willian’s corner, in what was a comfortable 45 minutes for the visitors.

Shortly after the break Arsenal’s injury nightmare continued as David Luiz was forced off with a nasty looking hamstring injury, as the Gunners were losing some of their fluidity, going longer with their passes in the opening exchanges.

Without showing much after the break, two wonderful touches from Martinelli and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang settled any lasting nerves. The Brazilian’s lovely cross into the box was acrobatically finished by the captain to put the Gunners two in front.

Arsenal cruised from that point and were in no trouble, with substitute Fabian Schar sent off in the dying embers for a hideous challenge on Martinelli from behind.

Arsenal Goalkeeper & Defenders Ratings

Mat Ryan (GK) – 8/10 – A good outing for the Aussie in net saw him show composure with the ball at his feet as well as in hand. His handling was strong from crosses and he commanded his box better than he had done in his previous outings.

Hector Bellerin (RB) – 7/10 – Calum Chambers has moved ahead of Bellerin in the pecking order but the Spaniard will have given his manager food for thought with a decent outing at right-back. Tucking to midfield and running the channels with Willian out wide, he supported the attack well and made smart decisions with his running, although showed rustiness being caught of possession on a few occasions.

David Luiz (CB) – 7/10 – It’s so clear what he offers to the side that other central defenders can’t provide. Some of his distribution was excellent, whether raking diagonals or lofted passes over the top – namely in the build up to the opening goal – and were it not for a desperately unlucky hamstring strain he would have been a shoo-in to start against Villarreal on Thursday.

Gabriel (CB) – 7/10 – Coming into the side in place of Pablo Mari, Gabriel put in a solid afternoon’s work in the heart of defence. He kept both Callum Wilson and Saint-Maximin under wraps throughout, progressed the ball well and carried out of the back effectively.

Granit Xhaka (LB) – 7/10 – It was nervy times when the Swiss stupidly kicked out at Saint-Maximin when one too many tricks so him lose his temper. A needless foul resulted in an early yellow card and he was fortunate not to be sent for an early shower after another needless foul in the second half.

Did help feed Gabriel Martinelli well down the left flank all game.