Arsenal player ratings vs Newcastle: Gabriel Martinelli seals 2-0 win

Arsenal returned to winning ways against Newcastle United on Saturday as goals from Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli secured a 2-0 victory in the Premier League.

Mikel Arteta wanted his team to bounce back from the 4-0 hammering away at Liverpool last time out, and responded by make just the single change to his starting lineup.

Martin Odegaard came in at No. 10 in place of Alexandre Lacazette, an alteration that most predicted would happen.

That meant that Nuno Tavares kept his place in the team despite the mistake he made at Anfield, with Sambi Lokonga also handed the chance to react to his second half in midfield alongside Thomas Partey.

Arsenal player ratings vs Newcastle as Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli score to secure 2-0 Premier League win

It was a hugely frustrating first half for the home side with Newcastle consistently sticking all 11 men behind the ball as they aimed to force a flat atmosphere.

Arsenal created precious little with Aaron Ramsdale ending up being the busiest keeper as he tipped Jonjo Shelvey’s long-ranger drive onto the crossbar. It was then Aubameyang’s turn to strike the woodwork, when he should have scored with the goal gaping.

An improvement after the break was essential, which Arsenal did as they found more zip to their play. Bukayo Saka got the goal they craved after a drilled finish at the end of a fine move.

Gabriel Martinelli was brought on for the injured Saka and made an immediate impact with a beautifully taken volley to hand Arsenal breathing space. It was just rewards for a richly improved second half display that secured three vital points.

On to Old Trafford.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – 7/10 – Had nothing to do for 30 minutes and the pulled out an amazing stop to deny Shelvey taking the lead. Newcastle’s shape meant his distribution couldn’t sing, but it was his focus to remain vigilant that was important.

Takehiro Tomiyasu (RB) – 8/10 – Much more involved than he’s been in recent matches, the defensive setup of the Magpies gave him license to support Saka down the right. On the day where his defensive contributions were less required, he showed his offensive qualities with a lovely pass to set up Martinelli as well as a string of others. Very impressive.

Benjamin White (CB) – 7/10 – Did everything right in his own half whether it was cleaning up Newcastle breakaways or playing the right pass, but White like the rest had to speed up their passing to inject some tempo into the game. Another game, another clean sheet.

Gabriel (CB) – 7/10 – A really fascinating battle between Gabriel and Callum Wilson persisted throughout the game, but it was the Brazilian who came out on top. Stood strong in his own box and tried to raise the speed of the game with some slick switch balls. Another game, another clean sheet.

Nuno Tavares (LB) – 7/10 – Arsenal’s full-backs were heavily involved in the game with Newcastle so deep, which saw Nuno get on the ball plenty. However, some poor decision making saw him make a string of hero shots that ballooned over the bar.

He kept plugging away though and his neat flick into Saka’s path set up the opener was credit to his attacking intentions after the break. A strange performance, with some brilliant elements and some less desirable ones, but he was far more lively after the break.

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Midfielders

Thomas Partey (CM) – 6/10 – Barely involved in a congested midfield. Saw more action in defensive situations than in attacking ones with Sambi running the show in the middle. Was mostly tidy throughout.

Albert Sambi Lokonga (CM) – 8/10 – Arsenal’s best player on the day, which is a testament to his character having endured the complete opposite at Anfield last time out.

His passing was the highlight of a drab first half affair, picking up some good positions in midfield and trying to kick his side into gear. Some of his distribution was outstanding and the second half was one of his best in an Arsenal shirt.

Martin Odegaard (AM) – 6/10 – Odegaard grew into the game but not before some pretty dreadful touches to start things off. He won’t be given too hard of a time as he has been out of the team for while, but it did contribute to an extremely flat first half and still looked rusty after the break.

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Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) – 7/10 – A day where Saka tried to make things happen but almost nothing came off for him in the first half. He started finding more joy after the break as he demonstrated more aggression with the ball at his feet.

The goal came after a delightful move and his finish was superb.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (ST) – 4/10 – Even if the game isn’t there for him, when these situations come around you want your centre-forward to add something. Aubameyang offered nothing, even if he was starved of service in the first half.

He had to put that chance away, and there were a few after the break that he probably would have taken a few years ago.

Emile Smith Rowe (LW) – 6/10 – Was a passenger in the first half as the left side was more heavily dominated by Nuno, but when he did get on the ball he was one of the more inventive players on the day. Started to pick up possession in better positions yet, as with everyone, struggled for penetration against a deep Newcastle setup.

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Substitutes

Gabriel Martinelli – 8/10 – What an introduction. His delightful bending run was found by Tomiyasu but the finish with the ball over coming over his shoulder was divine. His pace was exactly what the game needed.

Alexandre Lacazette – 6/10 – Was odd to see him play at centre-forward after coming on, where he didn’t have much to do.

Mohamed Elneny – N/A – Came on to make absolutely sure of the win.