NEWCASTLE (4-2-3-1):
6 Dubravka: Had one slightly nervous moment when he failed to claim a second-half cross but was generally assured and composed once again
8 Yedlin: Has improved markedly as the season has gone on, and delivered an excellent cross for Perez’s goal
7 Lejeune: Fared pretty well against the dangerous Lacazette and has proved to be an extremely astute addition
7 Lascelles: Another impressive display from the skipper, who has not really put a foot wrong in the whole of the second half of the season
7 Dummett: Has made the left-back slot his own since returning from injury and was defensively secure throughout
8 Diame: Another excellent performance from a player who has been transformed out of all recognition in the last couple of months
8 Shelvey: Helped set up Perez’s goal with an excellent ball over the top, and outplayed his rivals in the Arsenal midfield
7 Ritchie: Claimed his third goal in the last six games with an excellent clipped finish, and is in his best form of the season
8 PEREZ: Made it three goals in his last three games with a great run in front of his marker – starting to look like the perfect ‘number ten’
7 Kenedy: One of his quieter games on the left-hand side, but still almost scored with a deflected shot that hit the bar
6 Gayle: Showed great composure to help set up Perez’s goal and made some effective breaks beyond the Arsenal defence
Subs:
6 Slimani (for Gayle, 63): Made an impact as his headed knock-down helped set up Ritchie’s second-half match-winner
Joselu (for Perez, 79)
Murphy (for Ritchie, 85)
(not used): Darlow (gk), Clark, Manquillo, Hayden.
ARSENAL (4-2-3-1):
Cech 5; Chambers 7, Mustafi 4, Holding 4, Monreal 5; Xhaka 4, Elneny 5; Iwobi 5 (Nketiah 86), Willock 5 (Welbeck 68, 5), AUBAMEYANG 7; Lacazette 6.
Subs (not used): Ospina (gk), Mertesacker, Kolasinac, Maitland-Niles, Nelson.
Man Of The Match: AYOZE PEREZ – The Spaniard has showcased his goalscoring abilities in the last three games and is now a crucial part of the way Rafael Benitez wants his team to play.
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