Player ratings: Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal

Arsenal snatched a victory from the jaws of defeat in an action-packed encounter at St James’ Park on Sunday afternoon.

The Gunners started well and looked set to be rewarded with a penalty when Nick Pope took Viktor Gyokeres out, who had pounced on a loose ball. Somehow the decision was overturned and typically, Newcastle then took the lead.

Arsenal kept plugging away but it was a substitute, Mikel Merino, who nodded in the equaliser with just a few minutes to go. Arsenal rushed back to restart the game in search of a winner and they found it when Martin Odegaard, who had been influential from the bench, found Gabriel with a brilliant corner.

Rate the players below and see the fan averages, and scroll down to see my ratings. 

Here’s how I rated the players:

David Raya – 7

Jurrien Timber – 8

Cristhian Mosquera – 5 (off at HT) – William Saliba (on at HT) – 7

Gabriel – 8

Riccardo Calafiori – 7

Martin Zubimendi – 8

Ebere Eze – 8

Declan Rice – 7

Bukayo Saka – 7

Viktor Gyokeres – 7

Leandro Trossard – 6

Men of the match: Martin Zubimendi. Maybe a weird choice considering he came off before our two goals, but I think he deserves a big shoutout. Arsenal dominated this game, against a midfield they have typically crumbled against. Zubimendi was a big reason for that. Not shirked by the tough atmosphere, the Spaniard was great on the ball (52/58 passes), 3/3 in long balls to help beat the press and 6 duels won. He also made 3 tackles and 2 interceptions and was only dribbled past once. A sensational ball to create a big chance for Jurrien Timber too, only denied by an incredible Nick Pope save.