Mesut Ozil’s fierce volley sent Arsenal to their tenth consecutive league victory over Newcastle.
Ozil volleyed home from inside the area, high and centre of the goal past a static Rob Elliott – 20 minutes in.
Newcastle had the most promising effort early on, Jamaal Lascelles’ powerful header forced Petr Cech to save following Mikel Merino’s deep free-kick.
Rob Elliott was alert early into the second period, spilling a shot then getting up quickly to clear the ball away with Alex Iwobi closing in.
Newcastle were unfortunate not to equalise minutes later, after Jacob Murphy did well to cut inside from the left, and strike an effort for Cech to save.
Eliott did well to block Jack Wilshere’s effort with his legs 75 minutes in, following an excellent passing move from the home side.
Newcastle have now lost 8 of their last 9 games, and have plummeted into the relegation zone.
Below is the Newcastle player ratings from the narrow defeat to Arsenal.
Rob Eliott - 6
No chance with the goal conceded. He redeemed himself after spilling the ball with an attacker closing in – something Karl Darlow failed to do in the previous game. Good save to deny Jack Wilshiere late on.
Javier Manquillo - 5
Struggled to get forward and failed to cope with the pace of Hector Bellerin.
Jamaal Lascelles - 7
The defence is more solid with the return of Lascelles. He commanded his back line well, and made some important interventions. He also tested Petr Cech with a powerful header early on.
Florian Lejeune - 6
Seemed more comfortable alongside Lascelles, he seemed more relaxed than from previous games. However, a soft clearance led to Mesut Ozil scoring the only goal of the game.
De'Andre Yedlin - 5
Managed to create only one dangerous opportunity, with a low cross that missed everyone. Also played a soft clearance which led to Mesut Ozil’s goal.
Jacob Murphy - 6
Arguably Newcastle’s most active and creative outlet. He forced Petr Cech into a good save early into the first half. Subbed off on the 67′ minute mark.
Mikel Merino - 7
A battling performance from the Spaniard. The midfielder made a lot of important tackles and interceptions. He created some promising opportunities, such as the delivery that led to Jamaal Lascelles’ header that tested Petr Cech.
Issac Hayden - 6
The midfielder won many of his own battles, and made some good interceptions. He helped Newcastle win the ball back and get the ball forward. A decent performance.
Christian Atsu - 5
The winger created very little, but did his bit defensively.
Ayoze Perez - 5
The striker failed to create or have many opportunities. He headed over the bar after a whipped Matt Ritchie cross – his one memorable opportunity.
Joselu - 5
The striker failed to threaten the Arsenal goal, apart from one low drive that was blocked.
Matt Ritchie - 6
Substitute. Worked hard when came on. He whipped in an excellent delivery which Perez headed over.
Mo Diame - 6
Substitute. Worked hard when came on, but failed to create any real impact.