Arsenal player ratings vs Newcastle: Eberechi Eze doesn't do tap-ins! Stunning strike sends Gunners top despite another timid display from title challengers

David Raya (6/10):

Showed good command of his penalty area and excellent handling. Almost caught out by Tonali in the first half but recovered well.

Ben White (6/10):

Dependable on his return to the line up. Nothing flashy but solid enough in everything he did.

William Saliba (4/10):

Troubled by the pace and direct style of Osula from the very first minute. Far from his usual assured self.

Gabriel Magalhaes (6/10):

Decision to take corners short meant he wasn't his usual threat from set-pieces. Won plenty of balls in his own box, however.

Piero Hincapie (6/10):

Kept Murphy on a tight leash at left-back.

Martin Zubimendi (5/10):

Worked hard in midfield but unable to stop Tonali and Guimaraes from dominating at the heart of the pitch.

Martin Odegaard (6/10):

After a slow start, looked to get Arsenal moving forward when he picked up the ball. Still not at his best, but an improvement on recent weeks.

Declan Rice (4/10):

Nowhere near his usual level. Looked a little leggy after a long season. Had his day summed up when he failed to get a shot off after dribbling into the box in the second half.

Noni Madueke (6/10):

Had a couple of bright moments early on and played his role in the short-corner routines. Faded badly after half-time, however.

Kai Havertz (5/10):

Did his best to hold up play but was a little slow to release the ball at times. Did claim the assist for Eze's stunner, but an injury forced him off before half-time.

Eberechi Eze (7/10):

Superb finish to open the scoring from long range. Posed a threat at times cutting in from the left but still seems a little ill-suited to the role. Forced off early in the second half with an injury.

Viktor Gyokeres (5/10):

Hold-up play was hit and miss after replacing the injured Havertz in the first half. Did almost get Pope sent off, but wasted a big chance to finish the game during a late counter-attack.

Gabriel Martinelli (6/10):

Added some dynamism after coming on for Eze, and came close to securing the points with an overhead kick.

Myles Lewis-Skelly (N/A):

On for Zubimendi for the final 10 minutes.

Bukayo Saka (N/A):

Returned from injury late on.

Mikel Arteta (5/10):

His team were slow in possession and allowed Newcastle to dictate terms for far too much of the game. Gets some credit for the change in set-piece approach, but this was still a concerning performance.