Nacho Monreal: 7/10
Nacho Monreal started off tentatively, but found himself with so much space on the left that he gradually began to get forward with increasing regularity.
While Monreal isn’t quite at the level of Kieran Gibbs, the lack of challenge from Newcastle United meant that he even managed to get into the box on several occasions in the second half.
Mikel Arteta: 8/10
Last season many teams realised that stopping Mikel Arteta stopped Arsenal, but the Spaniard was afforded all the space and time in the world in central midfield against Newcastle.
The Magpies inexplicably dropped off the Gunners’ midfield, but retained a high line, allowing Arteta time to pick passes over the top time and time again.
Arteta made some fine tackles in his own half as well as some clever tactical fouls to snuff out Newcastle attacks.
Aaron Ramsey: 7/10
Aaron Ramsey makes a big difference to Arsenal, making the north London side play faster with creative and adept passing, and showing ambition with constant forward running.
It probably says more about Newcastle United’s performance that Ramsey did not have to play to his best to make a difference, but the Welshman and Mesut Ozil are clearly on the same wavelength and that bodes very well for Arsenal’s future.
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