Arsenal player ratings vs Newcastle with three 8/10s as Gabriel nicks it late on

Arsenal secured a dramatic last-gasp victory away at Newcastle to move two points from the top of the Premier League table. The Gunners believed they had won a penalty when it seemed that Nick Pope had fouled Viktor Gyokeres, but VAR ruled that the goalkeeper had just managed to touch the ball. Leandro Trossard then narrowly missed scoring, hitting the post with a close-range shot.

Arsenal's missed opportunities came back to haunt them when Nick Woltemade scored from a short corner routine. However, Mikel Merino found the equaliser for Arsenal six minutes from time, heading in a goal at the back post. Gabriel then clinched the win with a header from a corner in the 96th minute. Express Sport rates and slates the Gunners' players...

Arsenal player ratings vs Newcastle

David Raya - 6

Couldn't do much about the Woltemade goal, beaten by a superb header.

Jurrien Timber - 8

Delivered an excellent cross to Eze and defended well against Gordon early on. Had a great headed chance saved by Pope early in the second half but overall had a brilliant game.

Cristhian Mosquera - 5

Made a few errors, including misplaced passes and touches, one of which led to the corner from which Woltemade scored. His performance was probably his least impressive so far, and he left the field at half-time.

Gabriel Magalhaes - 7

Was fortunate not to be penalised by VAR for raising his arms unnecessarily to Woltemade following his goal. He was also lucky not to concede a penalty later in the game. However, all was forgiven when the Brazilian managed to find the back of the net with a late header from a corner, securing victory.

Riccardo Calafiori - 6

Showed some impressive passing and combination play, but earned himself a yellow card after bringing down Livramento during a transition.

Martin Zubimendi - 7

Commanded the midfield with grace at times and delivered the pass for Timber's chance, which unfortunately went unnoticed by everyone.

Declan Rice - 8

Provided the assist for Trossard's shot that hit the post. Often tasked with picking up the ball from deep, Rice was instrumental in transitions. He also had to be vigilant in his defensive duties to prevent Jacob Murphy from scoring, even chasing back to stop a one-on-one moment. He dominated throughout the game, delivering an outstanding performance.

Eberechi Eze - 8

Had a chance from the edge of the box, volleying low to the bottom right, only to be saved by Pope. Another attempt was directed straight at the England keeper. In the second half, Trossard's cross found the former Palace man again, but this time his volley sailed over the bar.

Bukayo Saka - 6

Managed to get a couple of shots off before the thirty-minute mark, both of which were matched by Pope. Struggled to make his mark on the game as he would have liked and was eventually substituted in the second half.

Viktor Gyokeres - 6

Had a couple of early opportunities, both of which were comfortably saved and blocked well. Had a chance to strike when bearing down on goal but chose to check back instead, losing possession. Missed a golden opportunity to equalise around the 81st minute, sending his shot over the bar.

Leandro Trossard - 6

Hit the post in a crucial first-half situation from a potentially tight angle; at the very least, it should have tested Pope. However, he had a decent game overall and delivered some quality passes in the final third.

Substitutes

William Saliba - 6

The Frenchman brought additional solidity and calmness to the defence after coming on.

Mikel Merino - 7

Rose highest to connect with Rice's cross and secure the equaliser.

Gabriel Martinelli - N/A

Didn't make much of an impact after his introduction.

Myles Lewis-Skelly - N/A

Failed to make a significant impact after coming on.

Martin Odegaard - 7

Delivered a superb late pass to Myles Lewis-Skelly who should have done better. Despite his short time on the pitch, he made a significant contribution with the corner that led to the late goal.