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.
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..