Arsenal FC player ratings vs Newcastle: Eberechi Eze sparkles centrally as Declan Rice tireless in last-minute win

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Arsenal player ratings vs Newcastle: Eberechi Eze sparkles centrally as Declan Rice tireless

Mikel Arteta’s side won a first game in four at St James’ Park

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Your matchday briefing on Arsenal, featuring team news and expert analysis from Simon Collings

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Arsenal scored two late goals to beat Newcastle and close the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool to two points.

The Gunners dominated the early stages and Viktor Gyokeres thought he had won a penalty, but VAR overturned the decision.

Newcastle took the lead before the break against the run of play through a Nick Woltemade header and they had looked on course for all three points.

But Merino snatched an equaliser for Arsenal in the 84th minute and then Gabriel headed home right at the death.

Simon Collings was at St. James’ Park to see Arsenal in action...

David Raya 6

Did not have masses to do, because Arsenal dominated much of the possession. Went unusually long with his distribution.

Jurrien Timber 8

An utterly tireless performance. Kept getting forward when he could and caused some real problems on the overlap.

Battler: Jurrien Timber

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Cristhian Mosquera 5

His first poor game in an Arsenal shirt. Shaky at times, including a rash clearance that led to the corner which Newcastle scored from. Hooked at half-time.

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Gabriel 7

Was weak for the Newcastle goal and went down too easily as Woltemade headed home. Redeemed himself with a late, late winner.

Riccardo Calafiori 6

Steady stuff from the Italian, who largely kept Jacob Murphy quiet. Booked and taken off with 20 minutes to go.

Eberechi Eze 8

Arsenal’s best player and justified his selection as one of two No8s. Twice denied by great saves from Nick Pope. Made some majestic runs and passes.

Martin Zubimendi 7

Held his own against Newcastle’s physical midfield and helped Arsenal boss the middle of the park. Created a chance for Timber with a lovely ball.

Declan Rice 8 | Star player

An tireless performance summed up by his brilliant recovery run to deny Murphy a goal. Created Merino’s goal with a perfect cross, too.

Warrior: Declan Rice

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Bukayo Saka 6

Had a proper battle with Dan Burn. Got the better of him a few times and had some bright moments.

Viktor Gyokeres 6

Won a penalty, only for VAR to overturn in. Had a few other sights of goal and was livelier than in previous away games.

Leandro Trossard 6

Came so close to giving Arsenal the lead, but his effort stuck the post. A solid display.

Substitutes

William Saliba (Mosquera 46’) 7

On at the break and Arteta will regret that he could not start. Gave nothing away.

Gabriel Martinelli (Saka 70’) 6

Thrown on as Arsenal went for broke. A fairly quiet cameo.

Mikel Merino (Calafiori 70’) 7

Off the bench and on the scoresheet with a great header. Such a threat in the air.

Martin Odegaard (Zubimendi 82’) N/A

Myles Lewis-Skelly (Trossard 88’) N/A

Subs not used: Arrizabalaga, White, Norgaard, Dowman

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