Newcastle United earned a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Arsenal at St James’ Park in a feisty Premier League clash today.
Arsenal were the favourites, but Eddie Howe’s side has been upsetting the status quo since the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund takeover, and they did it again tonight.
The first half was tightly contested but did not produce many clear-cut chances, with both sides showing grit and defensive resilience.
Newcastle striker Callum Wilson flashed a shot over the bar from close range but was flagged offside.
Anthony Gordon failed to keep the ball under control when Wilson set up Kieran Trippier’s cross for him to shoot.
Gabriel Martinelli had Arsenal’s only chance of the first half as he heated Nick Pope’s palms.
The biggest talking points were rash moments such as Kai Havertz’s lazy challenge on Sean Longstaff that earned him a yellow card and blocking the subsequent free-kick.
There was also an incident where Bruno Guimaraes hit Jorginho in the back of the head, but VAR waved play on.
The game was goalless by the half-time break, but it was an action-packed affair.
The second half continued the same way. It was positive and exciting, but goal-mouth action was lacking.
Howe responded with a tactical change, bringing on Jacob Murphy and Joe Willock, and they played a massive role in Newcastle’s opener.
Willock fought hard to keep a lost ball in play and stood up a cross for Joelinton to head back across for Gordon to slam home. After an agonising VAR check, the goal was confirmed.
Newcastle held on to earn a victory over the Gunners and climb into the top six.
Newcastle vs Arsenal Player Ratings
Newcastle
Nick Pope (6/10) – There was not much for him to do as his defence stood strong and shielded him.
Kieran Trippier (7.5/10) – It was another stunning showing from the England international right-back as he provided width for his side and managed his defensive work well.
Fabian Schar (7.5/10) – The Swiss defender was solid and resilient against Arsenal’s attack, covering his centre-back partner when needed and distributing the ball well from the back.
Jamaal Lascelles (7.5/10) – Equally solid at the back, the Newcastle captain put in a no-nonsense performance to earn his side a clean sheet.
Dan Burn (7/10) – The big man shut down Bukayo Saka before leaving the pitch with a back injury.
Sean Longstaff (6.5/10) – He worked hard in the middle and won the duels in front of him. Paired nicely with Guimaraes.
Joelinton (7/10) – Joelinton was everywhere and was more importantly in the box to knock down the ball for Gordon to score the winner.
Bruno Guimaraes (9/10) – MOTM – The Brazilian could have had a red card but was the engine in midfield for Newcastle, breaking down Arsenal attacks and starting attacks with crisp passes.
Anthony Gordon (8/10) – The former Everton man was full of running throughout the game and got the important winner for his team.
Miguel Almiron (6/10) – Takehiro Tomiyasu managed to shut him down for most of the game. The Paraguayan worked hard but wasn’t on his game in the final third.
Callum Wilson (5.5/10) – Wilson barely got a sniff today, and Howe had to take him off. Newcastle scored seconds later.
Substitutes
Valentino Livramento (7/10)
Matt Richie (5/10)
Joe Willock (6/10)
Jacob Murphy (6.5/10)
Arsenal
David Raya (5.5/10) – The Spanish goalkeeper committed another blunder, caught in no man’s land for Willock’s cross to Joelinton for the opener.
Ben White (5/10) – Gordon’s constant running at him stressed him a lot, and he struggled to get forward.
William Saliba (8/10 ) – The young defender was calm and composed. He marshalled Wilson and showed peerless skill to bring the ball out of danger several times.
Gabriel Magalhaes (7.5/10) – He was just as solid as Saliba but will feel hard done by Joelinton’s push on him that led to the goal.
Takehrio Tomiyasu (6/10) – He looked solid against Miguel Almiron and fulfilled his auxiliary midfield role well until he came off.
Declan Rice (7.5/10) – The England international dominated the centre for Arsenal, cutting out opposition attack and bombing forward with the ball when he could. His passing was also excellent.
Jorginho (7/10) – Jorginho sometimes struggles in fast-paced encounters like this one, but he held his own today. Distributed the ball well.
Kai Havertz (5.5/10) – It was a difficult evening for the German as he failed to influence the game. He could also have received a red card for some poor decisions.
Bukayo Saka (5/10) – Saka had a quiet first half as Burn locked him down until the big defender came off. He had more joy against Trippier in the second 45 but couldn’t produce much.
Gabriel Martinelli (6/10) – He did not get any joy up against Trippier, and then Valentino Livramento came and did a solid job on him. A very quiet evening.
Eddie Nketiah (5/10) – He barely got a whiff of a goal today and spent most of the game trying to hold the ball up or chasing after it.
Substitutes
Leandro Trossard (N/A)
Fabio Viera (N/A)
Oleksandr Zinchenko (6/10)
