Arsenal Vs Newcastle – Player Ratings + Highlights

A 10 goal thriller ended up in Arsenal’s favor as the Gunners extend their winning stretch to 4 games now.  Though Newcastle managed to come back three times, they did not have an answer for the final four. Walcott scored a hattrick and the returning Giroud scored a brace before Ox and Podolski chipped in with two crucial goals. 

Here are the player ratings:

Wojciech Szczesny – Despite conceding three goals, Szczesny had a decent game. The first goal was a deflected goal and the other two was defensive mistakes by his defenders which he couldn’t really prevent. 6.5/10

Bacary Sagna – Going forward has never been a problem for Bacary Sanga, but his positioning and tracking back has gone down a level ? The French International has looked out of sorts in the last couple of matches. Gabriel Obertan gave him the run for a money in the final third which he din’t take control 5.5/10

Laurent Koscielny – Started a match after a long time thanks to a final minute changed of plans due to Mertesacker;’s absence. Not a bad performance for a returning player. Was busy throughout the match and maintained a good understanding with his partner Vermaelen. 6.5/10

Thomas Vermaelen – Though Arsenal let in 3 goals, there could have been a lot more and the Belgian had to put in an extra effort to stop Arsenal target Demba Ba. Yet the forward scored two goals.  6.5/10

Kieran Gibbs – Much like his full back partner, Gibbs went forward really well and his linkup play with Podolski has been working really well. But it is his defesive judgments that lead to two of Newcastle’s three goals. 6/10

Mikel Arteta – Calm, collected as usual. Distributed the ball well and was tenacious throughout. Another good performance from the Spaniard. 6.5/10

Jack Wilshere – There is no stopping this man or is there ? Produced yet another spirited performance for The Gunners. Made some excellent defensive challenges and his serge forward in the opening exchanges when he passed the ball to Ox who drew his shot wide was an outstanding moment and certainly beautiful to watch.  7.5/10

Santi Cazorla – His quick feet movement are always a joy to watch and the Spaniard was once again in the thick of action for the Gunners. Though he was quiet in the first-half, picked it up in the second. Got himself an assist for the Chamberlian goal. 7/10

Lukas Podolski – After going silent in the last couple of games, the German proved why he is considered as one of the best in the Business. Apart from a goal and an assist he bagged, a thumps up should be given to the German for his work rate. He  tracked back excellently to make some crucial stops. 8/10

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – The lad’s improving with each match. With a  recent run with the first team, Chamberlian has surely picked up his game. He looked dangerous going forward. 7/10

Theo Walcott – Man of the match for his 3 goals and 2 assists. If u had him in your fantasy team,that’s 25 points and double if he is the captain. If he can continue this and showed more consistency, Walcott could achieve his lone term target of turning in to a central forward. 9/10

Watch the match highlights here:

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