Arsenal player ratings vs Newcastle as Rice and Raya impress but worries remain in key position

Arsenal secured a very important three points against a Newcastle side who were looking to usurp them into second spot. As a result of this win, they have all-but wrapped up the runners-up position for a third straight season.

After a relatively poor first half that had more errors from both sides than chances, the goal came early in the second period. Declan Rice brilliantly found the bottom left corner after latching onto a cut-back from Martin Odegaard following Anthony Gordon’s loose touch.

Here is how football.london rated the performances of the Arsenal players:

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David Raya – Early mistake from David Raya from a bad pass gave Newcastle the chance to take the lead, as his goalkeeping abilities eventually bailed him out of trouble with a good stop. However, he responded really well with a string of very good saves, a close-range stop from a Dan Burn header was particularly impressive. 8

Ben White – Was spritely in the first quarter of the game, finding runs beyond his wide right teammate. He had the chance to take a shot and nearly win a penalty with one drive into the penalty area, but it sadly came to nothing. However he faded quickly and struggled for movement, dropping deep in moments perhaps concerned about the turn of speed he was up against. 6

William Saliba – Was taken off at half-time for an unknown reason, potentially tactically and replaced by Riccardo Calafiori. He had been having a decent game up until that point with no major errors or heroics. 6

Jakub Kiwior – Provided a dangerous ball into the box in the first half that was crying out for a striker to gamble on the ball. He moved to right centre half in the second period, and his sliding tackle 66 minutes helped prevent a very dangerous Magpies counterattack. 7

Myles Lewis-Skelly – The youngest is gradually mastering the art of winning fouls under pressure in those tight spaces. Also, he managed to win a header against Dan Burn… Dan Burn! That in itself is wildly impressive. 7

Thomas Partey – Made a potential goal-stopping interception late in the first half on Tino Livramento. Remained consistent in defensive midfield and did not really put a foot wrong. 7

Declan Rice – Despite not having the best first half, Declan Rice was the man to give Arsenal the lead early in the second period. If he is to become the number eight with the expected arrival of Martin Zubimendi, then goals of this calibre are exactly what will be expected of him. 8

Martin Odegaard – Was in the right place at the right time to receive the ball from Bukayo Saka before spotting and finding Rice in acres of space to strike to give the Gunners the lead. 7

Bukayo Saka - He certainly lacked sharpness in the first half. A couple of poor corner kicks were without much danger, while a drive into the box to cut back couldn’t pick out a teammate. He was, however, alive to Anthony Gordon’s mistake, which led to the opening goal. 6

Leandro Trossard – Playing through the middle until the second half change, Trossard had the best attempt of the first half for Arsenal, which was deflected wide as he probed and prodded the Newcastle backline to little avail. 6

Gabriel Martinelli – Full of running, all day long, as the Brazilian again fights his case ahead of a summer where a new left-winger could be signed. His speed remains the side’s current only true outlet on the counter, and that was a problem constantly for the Magpies’ defence. 7

Substitutes:

Riccardo Calafiori – Replacing William Saliba, the Italian is still finding his feet back from the long lay-off, but made some good interceptions and defensive contributions. 7

Kai Havertz – Back after a long lay-off from injury and straight into the fold at centre-forward. It remains unclear who will fill that role next season, but Havertz came in wanting to impress as usual. 6

Kieran Tierney – Replacing Leandro Trossard who couldn’t finish the game, this would be his final home match in an Arsenal shirt. n/a

Jorginho - Came on to try and win a couple of free-kicks in what like Tierney will be his final home game for the Gunners. n/a