Arsenal vs Newcastle had the potential to become a banana skin, with Rafa Benitez packing out both the defence and midfield in the hope of a counter attack. The opposition were organised and robust but Ramsey’s 30th minute goal calmed the nerves.
He had an earlier effort disallowed for an infringement by Sokratis, who became infatuated by a Geordie shirt sleeve.
2-0 saw them climb above their rivals into third place with a display that highlighted the skills of the tireless Ramsey, the endless natural flair of Mesut Ozil and the predatory presence of Lacazette.
There was a period during the Arsenal vs Newcastle game before the second goal where nerves in the crowd seemed to transfer to the pitch but it was an exhibition in quick, classy, one touch football which lacked an end product at times. Exceptional performance whilst under the immense pressure of expectation.
🏟 EMIRATES STAD10M 🏟
That's now 10 home wins in a row for us in the @PremierLeague – for the first time since the 1997/98 season
✅✅✅✅✅✅✅✅✅✅#ARSNEW pic.twitter.com/JLWIUS988Q
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 1, 2019
This is how the Gunners are rated on their performance in the Arsenal vs Newcastle fixture.
Starting XI:-
Leno – 7
Didn’t have much to do but was always alert to any danger and he has grown in stature this season.
Mustafi – 2
I’ve tried to make allowances for the towering German but he had an absolute stinker. He gave the ball away constantly and in dangerous areas.
It was almost as if he’d had a leg transplant or was wearing his boots in the wrong feet. Worst game in an Arsenal shirt and he has had a few 2 points for finding his way to the ground.
Sokratis – 7
Beautifully brutal at times during the Arsenal vs Newcastle clash. Had to be on high alert for Rondon and was his usual committed self. One blip was his involvement in Ramsey’s disallowed goal, where he was penalised for pulling.
Monreal – 7
Had a steady game, stepped in on a few occasions to steady the ship. I still haven’t seen the form that he showed before his recent injury.
A shadow of that player.
Maitland-Niles -7
This lad is fantastic and a credit to those behind the scenes of the academy. Gives everything and looked superb going forward. He has saved Emery £35m.
Guendouzi – 7
His most assured performance so far. Next season, he will be one of Arsenal’s most influential player, looked solid and in control.
Kolasinac – 7
Always a threat going forward, always asking questions of Newcastle and looking to make a punishing cross. One of my favourite players at present for his heart and desire.
Ramsey – 8
Fabulous contribution and he made all the difference early on. He always looked like he was going to score and it’s a shame he was denied the first goal. Top quality.
Ozil – 9
Had Newcastle chasing shadows all night long. Full of sass and cheek. The flicks, back heels and classy little touches which oozed class all evening.
Also showed a competitive edge by chasing and tracking and one hopes that he now becomes more consistent and ambitious.
Iwobi – 6
Tidy. Didn’t have the same creative impact if compared to previous matches. But, combined well with Ozil and kept possession.
Lacazette -8
Just edged out of the man of the match by a whisker. Lively, creative, industrious and constantly on the front foot, well worth three goals.
Prevented by Richie and denied by the goalkeeper but he got his reward in the end.
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Subs:-
Aubameyang – 6
Looked promising in flashes and complemented Lacazette perfectly. No long before they pair up again.
Elneny – 5
The most curious Emery substitution, I saw him come in the pitch but little else. Not a fan of ‘Elninny’, complete waste of money.
Mkhitaryan – 5
Not enough time on the field to get a higher score.
