Arsenal got back to winning ways against Newcastle, but still have plenty to worry about.

Arsenal relied on home comforts to get their first Premier League win since the the 5-0 thrashing of Huddersfield, but it wasn’t the most convincing of performances.

Mesut Ozil produced a moment of genius to score the one and only goal of the game. Arsenal were inefficient in the final third all game, and ended the game nervously.

So while Arsenal got a crucial three points, they should be concerned with the number of players out of form at the moment.

Defence

Petr Cech 6

Newcastle managed few efforts on target but when they did, they found Cech to be in spry form.

He had little to do, but there were few issues with his performance.

Laurent Koscielny 6

A couple of good blocks and trademark interceptions made this one of Koscielny’s better performances as of late.

He also managed to go through the whole game without playing a suicidal pass out of defence, which can only be a positive.

Nacho Monreal 6

Eager as ever to push up and win the ball back, he couldn’t have wished for an easier opponent than Joselu.

He faced a sterner test in the second half, but overall was rarely troubled by Newcastle’s forwards.

Hector Bellerin 5

The sight of Bellerin attempting a left footed first time volley was a neat demonstration of his form.

He’s eager, as ever, to get forward down the right and often found himself in good positions.

However, few things are coming off right for him. One exquisite pass to Lacazette in the second half was the high point of a rather sloppy performance.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles 7

Picked up where he left off against West Ham.

He doesn’t look entirely comfortable when he has to defend but on the ball he plays like the midfielder he is.

Composed, tidy with his passing and able to use his athleticism to gain control of defensive situations.

A chance in midfield would be a good reward for his recent displays.

Next, midfield…

Midfield

Granit Xhaka 4

What has happened to you, Granit? Where have those amazing cross-field passes gone to?

It used to be that you could rely on Xhaka for tidy passing but he manages to misplace the simplest of passes in every game he plays now.

Just when we needed some to get on the ball and take the pressure off the defence, he puts it straight back on again.

If Arsenal had a good alternative, I suspect Xhaka wouldn’t be starting at the moment.

Jack Wilshere 6

Two games in three days for Wilshere without breaking down is a great sign.

He showed his ability in flashes in the first half, but faded, perhaps understandably, as the game went on.

Mesut Ozil 8

Is he always perfect? No. But is he super important to Arsenal? Hell yes he is.

Few players in the team make better decisions than he does, and when the time came to produce, he had the technique to deliver.

His volley will go down as one of the best goals he’s ever scored, and a rare spark of attacking quality during a dull period for Arsenal.

Forget selling him in January; he’s our best player at the moment.

Alex Iwobi 5

It’s another case of must do better for Iwobi.

Everything about his approach play is so encouraging, but whenever he gets to the final third he falls to pieces.

Wenger clearly rates him and continues to give him opportunities, but has to repay that faith soon with end product.

Next, forwards..

Forwards

Alexis Sanchez 5

He was bright in the first half and on point with his passing. The trademark chip through pass was coming off for him.

In the second half, though, he fell into bad habits again.

A refusal to use his left foot slowed down Arsenal’s attacks and made him predictable.

Newcastle were happy to let come inside, knowing they had enough bodies back to block any shots.

Alexandre Lacazette 5

It was yet another game where Lacazette didn’t play 90 minutes. Unfortunately, he might not have much room to complain this time.

While chances remained scarce for him, he was unusually wasteful with the ball.

When a chance did come his way, he opted for the lob and got it horribly wrong.

He’ll have better games.

Next, subs…

Subs

Danny Welbeck 5

He came on with 20 minutes to but did little to inspire Arsenal’s attack into action.

Olivier Giroud 6

He also came on with 20 minutes to go, and while he had no service, he did manage to set-up a good chance for Wilshere with a clever header.

Francis Coquelin N/A

He came on late to help secure Arsenal’s lead. Managed to not get booked.