An unbelievable result for the Magpies, who came away 1-0 winners after a mammoth effort over Arsenal; who were unbeaten in the league prior to their trip to Tyneside. Here come the ratings from another memorable night:
Nick Pope – 7 – Was protected so well by his back four, having just one save to make all night. Distribution remains limited, but he was strong from set pieces and kept his fifth clean sheet in our last seven league games.
Kieran Trippier – 8 – Kept Martinelli quiet in the first half and swung a few good balls into the box, which Saliba did superbly to head away. Moved to left-back in the second half after Burn was forced off and dealt with Saka impressively, even if he wasn’t able to get forward much.
Jamaal Lascelles – 9* – Was an absolute man mountain at the back. Won everything in the air, was excellent in the tackle and read the game very well. Headed away so many balls into the box and seemed to win every duel he contested. Looks a completely different player under Howe and seems more assured on the ball. Six clearances and three blocked shots sum up an outstanding performance from the club captain.
Fabian Schar – 8.5 – Defended superbly once again and picked out that ball in behind for Joelinton in the build up to our goal. Booked in the aftermath of Havertz’s horrible tackle on Longstaff, but was a colossus alongside Lascelles, winning everything in the air and making some vital interventions as Arsenal broke into the box.
Dan Burn – 7 – Fell horribly on his back in the first half which eventually forced him off at half time. Lucky to avoid a yellow after a few late fouls on Saka, but generally kept the England winger quiet in the opening 45.
Bruno Guimaraes – 8.5 – A brilliant performance from the Brazilian, who was physical and aggressive in the middle of the park. Although he plays on the edge, what an unbelievable footballer he is, mixing technical ability with guts, passion and bags of energy. Made three key passes, won five duels and battled brilliantly with the excellent Rice in midfield. Suspended for the next game against Bournemouth for his fifth yellow card of the season.
Joelinton – 9 – Such a dominant display from the big man, who played a key role in our winning goal and covered every blade of grass. Felt like he was absolutely everywhere in the match, winning tackles, dribbling forward and breaking up Arsenal attacks. Two key passes, won five duels in midfield, made two tackles and two clearances. A huge display an back to his destructive best.
Sean Longstaff – 7 – Very luck not to come away with an horrific injury following a repulsive challenge from the intolerable Havertz. Won all of his five duels in midfield during the match, made two clearances and kept us ticking in midfield. A solid showing from our local lad, who made a huge challenge in the first half to stop Martinelli getting a shot away.
Miguel Almiron – 7 – Ran will the ball brilliantly in the first half and worke his socks off, as ever. Faded in the second half and struggled to stamp his authority on the match, with Trippier’s switch to left-back impacting their usual link up play.
Anthony Gordon – 8.5 – Looked so lively all throughout the game. His movement is getting better evert week, he scored the all-important winner, worked his socks off, pressed relentlessly and never gave Arsenal a chance to breathe. What a player, a managers dream and the perfect winger for Eddie Howe.
Callum Wilson – 6 – Looked a bit off the pace in patches and failed to hold the ball up at times, with Gabriel winning his battle against our number nine. Subbed just after the hour to save him for Dortmund on Wednesday. Not his night, yet he kept battling for every ball and was saved by the offside flag after blazing a big chance over.
Substitutes:
Jacob Murphy – N/A – Subbed off shortly after coming on, aggervating his injured shoulder.
Joe Willock – 7 – Looked really lively off the bench, with plenty of running and link up play down our left. Did superbly to keep the ball in and cross for Joelinton in the build up to Gordon’s winner.
Tino Livramento – 8 – Excellent off the bench and looks a really class act. Won his second half battle with Martinelli, showing real pace, aggression and quality in one vs one situations to stop his man. Our future is in safe hands.
Matt Ritchie – N/A – Showed his experience to help us get over the line. Held his position well and worked hard.
Ollie:-
You mentioned the word repulsive about Havertz, CORRECT!
The whole Arsenal team are nearly as bad, falling down as if killed holding their heads then getting straight back up when not awarded a free kick, the keeper trying to time waste, something we were accused of by Arteta.
Arteta is another Alex Ferguson wants everything his own way and is a pathetic loser.
It was poetic justice that the ex- Arsenal player Willock’s endeavour to keep the ball in which led to the goal and epitomises what Newcastle are about gave us a well deserved win.
You say Bruno plays on the edge, so does Joelinton and Gordon all guilty of picking up
unnecessary bookings, which is a worry.
Both Havertz and Bruno should have been red carded.
The referee had a shocker.
Joseph(Quote)
Let’s stop building Bruno up – he’s been trying to get himself banned for a couple of weeks now – suspect he fancied a week off.
He’s dangerous, is too adventurous with the ball in front of the box and is just plain dirty.
One day he’ll lose the ball for a goal, and he’ll end up with an uneccesary red, leaving us short in an important game.
When the stats came up showing that we hadn’t had a single shot on target and indicating that Arsenal had had 98% possession I was hoping it might put an end to this “stats silliness” but for whatever reason you still insist on clinging to it.
Daveys **** mate(Quote)
Bruno is a top quality player, I find it strange that there are fans who think he shouldn’t be playing!
Look at who is available and tell me who you would play instead. Or should we get Jeff Hendricks or Jonjo Shelvey back?
Madness.
John M(Quote)