[Player Ratings] Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal: Colossal Display From Koscielny Seals Fourth

Arsenal beat Newcastle 1-0 at St James Park to secure that vital fourth spot at the expense of rivals Tottenham Hotspur. Here are player ratings from the game.

What a day. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one who couldn’t watch those final few minutes. It was far from a scintillating performance but it was always unlikely to be with so much at stake. The three points was all that mattered. Tottenham got their standard last minute winner thanks to another worldy from Gareth Bale and Theo Walcott made it an unbearable last couple of minutes after missing the chance to make it 2-0 when he hit the post, but we got over the line and secured that all-important fourth spot. Here are my ratings from the game.

Szczesny 7/10

Had little to do in terms of shot stopping but all other aspects of his game were good. Distribution was particularly impressive and commanded his area well when required.

Sagna 7/10

Performed well and won a lot of headers. We’ll certainly miss his aerial ability if he leaves the club this summer. Personally, I hope he stays.

Mertesacker 7/10

Difficult start from the big German as he was caught out on several occasions and his lack of pace was being exposed. But he improved as the game went on and helped see out the game with some important blocks.

Koscielny 9/10

Another colossal performance. Not only did he score a stunning winner he was a beast at the back. Won everything and held the back four together to secure the vital win. MOTM

Gibbs 7/10

Was given a bit of a tough time from Ben Arfa at times but stood firm and was unlucky to be booked. Did his bit going forward as well but it was all about keeping a clean sheet and Gibbs did his part well.

Ramsey 6.5/10

Gave his usual all-action display and work rate was excellent again, but was sloppy in possession at times, giving away cheap balls when keeping hold of it was important.

Arteta N/A

Clearly wasn’t 100% fit and was forced off early due to his calf problem.

Rosicky 6/10

Neat enough in possession and did his bit to help out defensively once Arteta went off but we didn’t really see the best of him in the attacking third.

Cazorla 6.5/10

Worked hard but his usual dependable passing and shooting was a little off today. Not at his best but it was all about the three points and not individual performances.

Walcott 6.5/10

Missed a glorious chance to end the tension with a late second but after some excellent work to create a chance 10 yards out, he hit the post. His pace was important on the break and he did his bit to get back and help out the defence.

Podolski 5.5/10

Pretty anonymous for the most part but played an important role in the winner as he set up Koscielny. Not sure he’s done enough to convince Wenger he should be our first choice striker next season.

Subs

Oxlade-Chamberlain – 6 – On for Arteta in midfield and did a decent job. Was full of energy and always tried to make things happen when he had the ball.

Giroud and Wilshere – N/A

If you missed the game or want to watch the goal again, you can watch highlights from Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal here.

So we did it. Getting fourth was not only important for the bragging rights over Tottenham, but it was vital for the short term future of the club. With talk of ‘warchests’ this summer, being able to offer Champions League football was crucial if we want to attract the caliber of player we need to make us trophy challengers again. Lets see what Arsene brings us this summer!

What did you make of the Newcastle game and what were your ratings? Get involved in the comments section below.