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.

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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…

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