ARSENAL were held to a 0-0 draw by Newcastle in a fiery-tempered clash at the Emirates.
It was only the third time this season that the Gunners have dropped points.
Bukayo Saka was impressive again for the Gunners once he burst into life after the break
Eddie Nketiah missed a glorious late chance for Arsenal
And in doing so they failed to stretch their lead over Manchester City at the top of the table to 10 points.
Bukayo Saka impressed again for Mikel Arteta’s side, who were convinced they should have had a late penalty for handball.
Eddie Nketiah did his best up front with another energetic performance, but was not clinical enough when it mattered most and missed a glorious late chance.
Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Gunners.
Aaron Ramsdale – 6
Other than a tame Callum Wilson shot from range – which was dealt with comfortably – the Three Lions keeper had very little to be concerned about for the opening 45 minutes.
Almost cost them after his pass out from the back was semi-charged down by Joelinton.
Ben White – 7
Did not get forward as much as he would have liked, wary of the counter from Joelinton, yet got the fans on their feet with a driving sprint to win the ball back.
Looked exhausted in the second half, and was soon replaced by Takehiro Tomiyasu.
William Saliba – 6
Did well to marshal Callum Wilson when needed, and caught a nasty high boot from the England striker for his troubles.
Gave away a dangerous looking corner with nine minutes left only to make up for it with a clearing header.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 7
Came close midway through the half with a looping header – arguably Arsenal’s best chance of the half – that narrowly missed Nick Pope’s right-hand post.
Unlucky not to win a penalty after replays showed his shirt was clearly tugged by Dan Burn at a free-kick.
Oleksandr Zinchenko – 6
Was not at his best on the ball in the first half, despite taking up some decent positions in-field to get Arsenal going.
Improved in the second half, despite looking a bit iffy at the back up against the flying Miguel Almiron.
Granit Xhaka – 7
Picked up an unnecessary yellow card for a late tackle on Fabian Schar, one which we all thought had been ironed out of his game recently.
Should have done better with an Nketiah cut-back in the box, and then was risking getting sent off for a clumsy effort on Wilson just after the break.
Thomas Partey – 8
At his controlling, manipulating best. Everything good about the Gunners early on went through him and stopped several Newcastle attacks with as well-timed lunge or two.
Continued to sweep up the mess as his team-mates piled forward looking for a winner.
Martin Odegaard – 6
For someone who has thrived on getting that final ball spot-on this season thus far, it was not a first half to remember, other than a cute free-kick to set up Gabriel for a header.
The Norwegian huffed and puffed but never really got going like we know he can.
Bukayo Saka – 7
Had Burn on toast at times, but struggled to influence in attack like he normally does.
Sparked into life on the hour mark and gave the Newcastle defence a torrid time down the right flank.
Eddie Nketiah – 6
Energetic and enthusiastic but not clinical enough, summing up Arsenal as a whole in the first half.
Put one on a plate for Granit Xhaka but fluffed a few passes also.
Lost his impact towards the end as he tired and missed a great, late chance to win it.
Gabriel Martinelli – 6
Barring a few early counters and dribbles, was kept under control by the double-team of Kieran Trippier and Miguel Almiron.
Almost won it at the end with a flicked header from a corner.
Substitutes
Takehiro Tomiyasu (on for White, 76mins) – 6
Did a job when needed, but lacked an attacking cross when they needed in the dying moments.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.sportingexcitement.com/football/premier-league/everton-1-brighton-4-toffees-manager-frank-lampard-hanging-by-a-thread-after-seagulls-inflict-embarrassing-home-loss/
