Arsenal player ratings vs Newcastle: Bukayo Saka causes real problems but Martin Odegaard starved of space

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Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to eight points after drawing with Newcastle.

In a game of few chances, neither side were able to find the net and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will be frustrated his side could not break down their stubborn opponents.

Both Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli went close with headers from set-pieces, but Newcastle found a way to keep Arsenal out and underlined why they have the best defence in the Premier League.

Arsenal stay top of the League and they are eight points clear of Manchester City in second, who can close the gap when they travel to Chelsea on Thursday.

Simon Collings was at Emirates Stadium to see Arsenal in action...

Aaron Ramsdale 6

Had one scary moment at the start of the second-half when he was almost caught out trying to play out from the back. Other than that, he was solid.

Ben White 7

Not at the level he has been recently but he was still a good performer tonight. Seemed to enjoy the physical battle with Joelinton.

William Saliba 6

Still doesn’t look fully up to speed after the World Cup, where he barely featured for France. Got better as the game went on.

Gabriel 7

He has been the better of Arsenal’s two centre-backs recently and continued his good form here. Dealt well with the threat of Callum Wilson. Went close to scoring a header.

Oleksandr Zinchenko 7

Looked great when he tucked inside and played a few lovely passes that opened the Newcastle defence up. Looks fully fit after his calf issues.

Martin Odegaard 6

Starved of the usual space he enjoys and thrives in. Newcastle clearly made a point of closing him down quickly, and it worked.

It was a frustrating night at the Emirates for Martin Odegaard
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Thomas Partey 7

Put in a good performance at the base of the midfield. Broke up play really well and looked good on the ball whenever in possession. One of Arsenal’s better players.

Granit Xhaka 6

Like the whole Arsenal team, he made a bright start to the match and went close to scoring. Other than that, failed to really get into the game.

Bukayo Saka 7 | Star player

Was causing Dan Burn all sorts of problems early on and went close to scoring, but Nick Pope denied him. Just about Arsenal’s best player on the night.

Eddie Nketiah 7

Had the tough task of leading the line against a very physical Newcastle back-four. Some of his link-play was great and was denied a goal by an excellent save from Pope.

Gabriel Martinelli 6

Got one on one with Kieran Trippier a few times but the England right-back dealt with him really well. So nearly scored when he flicked a header just wide from a corner.

Substitutions

Takehiro Tomiyasu (White 75’) N/A

Subs not used: Turner, Tierney, Holding, Vieira, Lokonga, Elneny, Marquinhos, Butler-Oyedeji.

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