Positives & negatives from Arsenal's dramatic late show at Newcastle

Negative #2: Zubimendi's passing is too conservative

Former Arsenal midfielder, Stewart Robson, described Martin Zubimendi as a player that was not “dynamic“ enough. About his passing, he said, “he hardly ever passes it forward.“

Against Newcastle, Robson really did have a point. Contrary to the vertical style that Arteta is attempting to embed at the Emirates, Zubimendi prefered to go sideways and backwards. His passing was not penetrating enough.

Zubimendi is perhaps the handbrake in the Arsenal midfield. He is the one slowing attacking transitions down when the Gunners would benefit from a swifter attack. He does possess the necessary passing range and he needs to take a leaf out of Declan Rice's book when it comes to using the ball to instigate attacks.

Positive #3: No obvious injuries

Whisper this one quietly. Despite the match at St James' park being a very physical one, Arsenal came away without picking up a significant injury to one of their key players.

This bucks the trend that has seen the Gunners' squad stripped of Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, William Saliba, and Martin Ødegaard already this season. Luckily only Havertz and Madueke appear to be out for any great length of time.

Arsenal have great strength in depth this season. Even so, they must do all they can to avoid picking up needless injuries and take advantage of the squad depth.