We asked Davey Hat-Trick to give us his match ratings and player comments after Arsenal 1 Newcastle 0.
I was quite pleasantly surprised by our performance in this game, although that old familiar feeling of frustration is the overriding emotion.
Arsenal fans will say that Eze’s strike was out of the top drawer; it was, but we should have done more to prevent it.
They’d tried the corner routine twice before. I know players are drilled relentlessly to do certain things at set-pieces, but there must be some room for imagination.
Other than that, I thought Newcastle were slightly the better side, and a point would not have been undeserved. But if truth be told, we never really threatened the Arsenal goal. A couple of decent chances were squandered, a couple of long-range efforts caused some temporary excitement, but that was about it.
However, we can take heart from our overall showing – Arsenal didn’t enjoy this game one bit, and nor did their fans. Their celebrations at the end were an explosion of relief rather than satisfaction at a job well done.
Still, another defeat in a season that is fizzling out grimly, so some fans will be calling for Eddie’s head, wholesale changes etc. I’d say that was unfair on this evidence.
Nick Pope 6
Was blameless for the goal but could have had a red card when he took Gyokeres out. VAR came to his rescue, but I’d have wanted it given if it had happened at the other end, coped well enough apart from that.
Lewis Miley 7
I thought he had a decent game. Good on and off the ball. Even got some crosses in. He’s unfussy and that is a compliment.
Malick Thiaw 6
Did OK. To be honest, wasn’t that prominent, but didn’t do a lot wrong. He may take some of the blame for failing to challenge Eze on the goal but that blame should probably be shared.
Sven Botman 7
A decent display without the mask. Won just about everything he was meant to.
Dan Burn 6
I was surprised to see him start, although I recognise that Lewis Hall has gone off the boil. I suspect BDB may have got the nod because of his leadership qualities.
As for the game, he battled hard against Madueke and acquitted himself quite well. He even had a couple of half-chances to score. I’m not sure Hall would have done better.
Sandro Tonali 8
Our best player, and – for me – the best midfielder on display. Hard working, intelligent and progressive. Even had a decent effort on goal. Newcastle’s problem wasn’t the midfield…
Bruno Guimaraes 6
Good to have him back in the starting XI and he showed some glimpses of the Bruno we know and love.
Recent performances would suggest that we play better when he’s on the field. I think he lifts those around him.
I’d say Ramsey is a good player rather than a great one.
He always puts a shift in but isn’t ever going to run a game. This was a case in point
Jacob Murphy 4
I was surprised to see him start after his woeful performance in our last game.
This one wasn’t much better, although I’d give Hincapie some credit for marshalling him well.
William Osula 4
Had a half-decent chance in the first minute but was quite ineffective after that.
Probably deserved his start after his recent goalscoring exploits but didn’t do much to cement his place.
Joe Willock 5
Worked hard but never penetrated the Arsenal defence.
I like Joe Willock but he is no longer a game-changer.
SUBS
Nick Woltemade 6
The pick of the subs and probably our best-performing forward player, although that’s not exactly a ringing endorsement.
Got under the skin of Arsenal, showed some good touches, and delivered a lovely ball for the chance Wissa missed.
Yoane Wissa 5
Looked enthusiastic when he came on but fluffed a good chance after a delightful through ball.
It wasn’t a gilt-edged chance, as some are saying, but in Premier League terms, it was presentable. A big moment.
Harvey Barnes 5
Showed willing, tried hard, put one good cross in, but wasn’t influential.
Anthony Elanga N/A
Not on long enough to judge but looked OK .
I’d expect him to start the next game and I wouldn’t be unhappy if he did.