The encounter against Newcastle United ended on 1-o for Arsenal with a lot of concerns for Arsene Wenger to address before their next fixture against West Ham United.
They dominated the first half but complacency got the better of them as they failed to kill the game off with numerous chances squandered.
The Gunners invited danger in the closing stages as Newcastle surged ahead in hope of a lucky equaliser.
Newcastle were motivated to overtake the slim lead and tried hard to break down the Arsenal defence. But a lack of quality on attack and spending majority of their time in their own half, saw them lose their 4th game in a row and drop to the relegation spot ahead of West Brom and Swansea City.
Newcastle United failed to find their own identity on the pitch and should look to add more reinforcements in the January transfer window.
Arsenal came away with a scrappy win, but still a win after 3 games.
Arsenal Player Ratings
Petr Cech- 5/10
Was sharp in front of goal when Newcastle was enjoying their best spell of the game.
Hector Bellerin- 5/10
Spent majority of his time on the opposition side. Could have put in better deliveries into the box.
Laurent Koscielny- 6/10
The Frenchman was impressive today to lead the backline. Read Newcastle’s attacks early and robbed the ball away from them whenever the looked to launch an attack.
Nacho Monreal- 5/10
He still looked uncomfortable in the centre-back position but did not disappoint.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles- 5/10
Better today with low defensive responsibilities. Supported the attacks enthusiastically and chased down the opposition attacks whenever caught on the counter.
Jack Wilshere- 7/10
Still the creative maestro, Wilshere could not be stripped off the ball. He linked up with everybody to open up the Newcastle defence line throughout the game. A bit lazy on the defensive end.
Granit Xhaka- 5/10
Still needs to work on his distribution abilities.
Alexis Sanchez- 6/10
He was his usual energetic self-today but could not get a clear shot on goal. Expressive over his frustrations with his teammates.
Mesut Ozil- 7/10
The sweetest of touches to catch the ball on a side-foot volley saw him get the first goal for Arsenal. Combined well with the team on the edge of the box.
Alex Iwobi- 5/10
Worked hard down the right wing, but could not challenge the keeper much.
Alexandre Lacazette- 5/10
Shot a couple of his chances wide from goal. Was not happy to be taken off for Giroud.
Substitutes –
Olivier Giroud- 5/10
Almost assisted Wilshere to the second goal with a perfect lay off. Was a threatening presence in the Newcastle box.
Danny Welbeck- 4/10
Could not add much quality to the Arsenal attack.
