Newcastle United 2-1 Arsenal: Magpies Secure Massive Win As Wenger’s Men Continue To Falter Away From Home
Arsenal’s disastrous league form on the road continued this afternoon too as they failed to keep hold of an early lead against Newcastle United, suffering another disappointing defeat away from home.
The Magpies had a nervy inception as they conceded early, with Alexandre Lacazette scoring the first goal of the game at around the 14th-minute mark. However, the Gunners failed to keep hold of it for long and Rafael Benitez’s men hit back within first half-an-hour of the game via an in-form Ayoze Perez.
The goal restored their confidence and the lack of intensity in Arsenal’s play stopped them from staging a comeback in the second half. It was Magpies winger Matt Ritchie who found the back of the net again, midway through the second half, and the North Londoners failed to respond.
Newcastle United, incredibly, strengthen their stance in the top-half of the table whereas Wenger’s men are yet to have a result away from home this year in the Premier League.
Newcastle United Player Ratings
Martin Dubravka (6.5)
The custodian, on loan from Sparta Prague, has earned a regular place between the sticks for the Magpies since his heroics against Manchester United. Dubravka could have done little to deny Lacazette’s early strike but made a couple of routine stops and despite difficulties in coming out of his goal, the keeper maintained his composure.
DeAndre Yedlin (8)
The American fullback had an outstanding game with his overlap runs and work rate down the right flank. His low cross found Ayoze Perez at the near post and the Spaniard made no mistake to equalise in the first-half.
Jamaal Lascelles (7.5)
Had a challenging job to contain both Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang but the centre-back impressed with his towering defensive display by winning duels and non-nonsense clearances.
Florian Lejeune (6.5)
Was sloppy at times early in the game but settled in well with time and maintained composure alongside Lascelles to defend the lead in the second half.
Paul Dummett (7)
Performed his defensive formalities and also made some overlapping runs at times to contribute to the attack and create opportunities for the attackers.
Matt Ritchie (8)
Showed great composure to control Perez’s flick and fire it into the back of the net to complete the turnaround and earn the lead. Was replaced by Jacob Murphy in the closing minutes of the game.
Jonjo Shelvey (8)
Another dominant display in the middle of the park from the ex-Liverpool midfielder, who once again showed his excellence under Rafael Benitez. He instigated the move for Newcastle’s first-half equaliser and never let the opponents take control of the midfield game.
Mohamed Diame (7)
Was combative, screened the backline, offered little in the attack but kept winning possession in the midfield via towering tackles and crucial interceptions.
Kenedy (7)
The Chelsea loanee has made an impact for the Magpies game since his winter move and looked purposeful whenever he had the ball.
Ayoze Perez (9)
The in-form Spaniard delivered another match-winning performance this afternoon, as he scored the equaliser and then set it up perfectly for Ritchie who grabbed the second-half winner to complete a comeback. Was replaced by Joselu late in the game.
Dwight Gayle (5)
Started the game but made no impact as he was dispossessed a lot of times. An outing to forget for the attacker who was finally replaced by Islam Slimani.
Subs
Islam Slimani (7)
Bullied the Gunners backline with his smart runs, physicality and strong dribbling traits. The Algerian is now fit and looks ready to finish the season on a higher note.
Joselu (N/A)
Was a late introduction in the place of Ayoze Perez.
Jacob Murphy (N/A)
Was brought in for the final few minutes of the game, replacing Matt Ritchie.