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Arsenal-Newcastle United: Player Ratings

By on August 30, 2008
Robin is Back!

Robin is back... or is he?

Arsenal bounced back from their 1-0 defeat at Craven Cottage last week with an emphatic 3-0 drumming of Newcastle.  Two goals from Robin van Persie and one from Denilson put the Gunners back on track.

Almunia: 7 Not really much for Manny to do this game but he did come up with the saves when we needed them.  What more can you ask?

Sagna: 7.5 Fantastic as usual.  He was great in defense as well as getting forward.  Whipped in some nice crosses, made some tough tackles and linked up well with Eboue.

Toure: 7 Solid game from a fan favorite.  Kolo showed heart and determination as he heped Arsenal towards a clean sheet.  Also had a few shot attempts that came close.

Gallas: 7 Missed a sitter in the first half but other then that he was good in the defense all game and continued to look threatening on set pieces.

Clichy: 7.5 Another great game from Clichy as well.  It was nice to see him turn it around after last week’s poor showing.  His understanding with Nasri just keeps developing with each match and his tenacity in defense was outstanding.

Eboue: 7.5 A really good game from a man we have come to expect little of.  He linked up nicely with the rest of the squad and set up Van Persie’s second with a fantastic back heel.  He also had some very threatening runs through the midfield which helped to create space for the strikers.  Lets hope he keeps up the good work.

Fabregas: 7.5 Solid game from Cesc.  He calmed the team down, dictated the pace and orchestrated our attack.  He picked up where he left off left season by staying committed to defending tenaciously in midfield which is something that is sorely needed with Flamini gone.  It is nice to have him back and I only expect him to get better as he continues to find his match sharpness.

Denilson: 7 Solid game from Denilson coming off of the disaster of last week.  His link up play with the back four was nice.  Took him a little while to get into the game but the goal was just the icing on the cake after a solid display today.  Still would like to see a bit more tenacity on the defensive side though but it wasn’t desperately needed against such a toothless Newcastle side today.

Nasri: 7.5 Looked really dangerous, got out of tight spaces well and linked up fantastically with the rest of the squad.  He created chances for his teammates and even had a go himself.  His free kick was also nicely taken.  Alex who?

van Persie: 8.5 What a game from Robin today!  He needed it, the fans needed it, and the club needed it.  He has been disappointing and at times woeful since the season started but it seems he has finally found his form and in the process reminded us all of how good he can be.  His link up play in the midfield was very effective even on counter attacks and he was cool with his finish.  He even had a nice free kick saved by Given.

Adebayor: 6 Not Ade’s best game at all.  He did link up nice with the rest of the team but at times it seemed like he was willing to pass too much instead of taking defenders on.  He missed a great chance as well, one that we would like to see him put in.  On the bright side, it appears he may have finally figured out the offside rule.

SUBS:

Vela: 7 This kid is going to be a star.  He is fierce on the ball, great in possession and looked for his teammates while still being willing to have a go.

Song: 7 Good man marking.  He seemed to help the defense more then Denilson, laying back just above the back four.  His positioning was good and he seemed very sound defensively.

Walcott: 7.5 Besides missing that shot, Theo was fantastic.  His pace terrorized Newcastle and he linked up well with the rest of the squad.  The move he used to get around the defender on the touch line was mesmerizing.

Man of the Match: Robin Van Persie.  After a string of pathetic performances the Dutchman looks to finally be back, something that can only be good news for Arsenal fans.  The extra dynamic he gives us on the pitch has been sorely missed and today he showed exactly how important he can be to this side.  Welcome back Robin!