Arsenal player ratings versus Newcastle United

Lehmann: He didn’t have too much to do but what he did he did well I thought, he looked comfortable between the posts, with Fabianski’s performance the other night I am glad he is staying . 6.5

Hoyte: This lad needs a run of games to find his feet and gain the confidence he needs, I thought in this game he made up for his iffy performance at Shite Hart Lane. He covered well defensively and also went forward, he is a good stop gap but I can't see him playing regularly. 6.5

Senderos: The Swiss one was very good, I thought he played well he was quite faultless both in the air and on the ground for a change, he blocked a couple of shots and got in a few good tackles, more of the same please Big Phil. 7.5

Gallas: Another steady game from the captain, he was commanding in defence and seems to be getting a grip on the youngsters in defence thank God especially Senderos who seems to play well when he is playing next to an experienced player. 7

Clichy: He is a young player with an old head, this lad is a natural he keeps playing better and better, he is not as green as he might be cabbage looking, his is a wily young man who constantly amazes me with his strength and speed going forward and in defence his crossing is improving and he also had a couple of shots. 8.5

Diaby: Great shot in the first half, good link up play for most parts but at times his is still slow with his ball distribution and reluctant passing, he is still too greedy. 6

Flamini: The one thing that was missing against the spuds was the fighting spirit and protection given to the defence by Flamster, this lad is all over the pitch, he never stops fighting for the ball with him playing in this match |I thought we dominated the midfield, his commitment and energy is so important, it allows us to keep pushing forward through the middle, I hope he puts pen to paper ASAP. 9

Fabregas: A better game from Cesc it was nice to see him driving forward today, his passing was still off but he is getting better, I will be glad to see the old Fab back. 7

Rosicky N/A

Walcott: He was better in this match however, his contribution was not good enough, He started in the middle but as in last Tuesday’s against the Spuds he couldn’t keep the ball or pass his marker and the Arsenal attacks kept breaking down. I must say I was glad when he was subbed, I still think this lad has a lot of talent but when are you going to show it Theo? 6

Adebayor: This lad is on fire at the minute and long may it continue, he just keeps on scoring his confidence must be on a high. 8.5

Substitutes
Fast Eddy /Eduardo: He was really unlucky not to score, and it was his shot that hit the post and bounced out that led to the all important first goal, he had a near miss and should of scored later on, this lad is getting better and better, he is starting to look for the ball now a sign of confidence methinks. 7.5

Hleb: Not enough time. 6

Gilberto: Not enough time. 6