Player Rating Newcastle 2-1 Arsenal: Another Mustafi’s Error Causes The Gunners Downfall

Arsenal yet again succumbed to another defeat on the road after losing 2-1 to Newcastle United at St James’ Park this Sunday afternoon.

The Gunners started the game impressively by taking the lead in the 14th minute through a well-taken goal by Alexandre Lacazette but yet another defensive plunder from Shkodran Mustafi allowed Ayoze Perez to level the scores in the 29th minute.

Another sloppy Arsenal defending gifted Matt Ritchie the opportunity to score what turned out to be the winning goal in the 68th minute.

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Here is the rating of the performance of Arsenal players:

Petr Cech  5/10

Cech yet again could not adequately cover his near post as he was for the umpteenth time beaten at his near post. I seem to have lost count how many times that has happened this season.

Callum Chambers  5/10

He had a decent game but was given a tough time by Ayoze Perez. He was played out of position at right-back and could be pardoned for some errors he committed in that position.

Shkodran Mustafi  4/10

Yet again Mustafi was caught ball watching as he failed to react to a low cross giving Ayoze Perez space and time to score the equaliser. This error is quite similar to one he committed for Long’s goal against Southampton last week. He was also caught napping for Newcastle’s second goal.

Rob Holding  6/10

Holding played far better than his central defensive partner Mustafi but was also caught out of position on several occasions.

Nacho Monreal  6/10

Solid as always but has a hand in Newcastle’s second goal as a poor header from him led to the goal.

Mohammed Elneny  6/10

He had a decent game but nothing near the masterclass display we saw from him in midweek.

Granit Xhaka  7/10

He is looking more like the player we all want him to be, he seems to play better this days whenever he plays alongside Mohammed Elneny in the midfield, with Elneny saddled with the defensive midfield duties.

Joseph Willock  5/10

The youngster was very comfortable with the ball on his feet but was guilty of wasting a golden opportunity to make it 2-1 just before halftime.

Alex Iwobi  7/10

Iwobi is beginning to blossom into an excellent player, he was lively and looked dangerous all through the match. He had some wonderful chances to score but poor finishing lets him down. If he can work on his finishing and final delivery, then Arsenal will have a world class player at their disposal.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang  6/10

A great cross set-up Alexandre Lacazette for his opener but was otherwise frustrated playing on the wings. He certainly looked more comfortable down the middle, Aubameyang playing on the wings was an experiment and it might not be repeated by Arsene Wenger in future matches

Alexandre Lacazette  7/10

He took his goal well with a wonderful volley to open the scoring but wasted a good opportunity to double the lead for Arsenal when he opted for a pass to Willock rather than shoot at goal himself.

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Substitutes:

Danny Welbeck  5/10

He came on to replace Joseph Willock in the 68th minute but had no significant contribution worthy of mention in the game.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles N/A

He replaced Calum Chambers in the 78th minute and didn’t play enough minutes to be rated.

Edward Nketiah N/A

He came on for Alex Iwobi in the 86th minute and also didn’t play enough minute to be rated.

This defeat is Arsenal’s fifth consecutive away defeat and it leaves the Gunners six points behind fifth-placed Chelsea and just two points above Burnley in seventh place. Up next for Arsenal is a home game against West Ham at the Emirates next weekend.