NEWCASTLE UNITED (4-2-3-1):

6 Krul: Was wrongfooted for the goal and perhaps should have pushed the initial shot wide, but dealt admirably throughout with Arsenal’s attacks;

6 Janmaat: Had to be on his game in defence as Arsenal camped in Newcastle’s half, and was strong

7 COLOCCINI: Headed everything clear in the opening exchanges and was unlucky to divert Oxlade-Chamberlain’s shot past Krul

6 Mbemba: Went on an 80-yard run that deserved an award in itself, but settling nicely into this back four

5 Haidara: Gave the ball away too cheaply on the left flank and conceded a corner inexplicably, late on;

6 Anita: Looked after the ball well enough in the middle of the park and had to break down plenty of Arsenal attacks

6 Colback: Like Anita, became entrenched on edge of 18-yard box as Arsenal attacked but could not start any counter-attacks;

5 Sissoko: Could not make any attacking impact as Arsenal pressed and was slightly wasteful in possession

6 Wijnaldum: Started brightly but his influence waned once Mitrovic was dismissed and the game changed

5 Thauvin: Had to take the role as lone striker, and although made plenty of running, could not find a way with Arsenal’s numerical advantage

4 Mitrovic: Needs to think about what he is doing and needs to be aware that he now has a reputation, justified or not

Substitutes:

Perez (for Anita, 72)

Cisse (for Sissoko, 78)

De Jong (for Thauvin, 87)

not used: Darlow, Taylor, Tiote, Obertan.

ARSENAL (4-2-3-1): Cech 5; Bellerin 6, Koscielny 6, Gabriel 6, Monreal 6; Coquelin 6, Cazorla 7; Oxlade-Chamberlain 7 (Arteta 81), Ramsey 6, SANCHEZ 8; Walcott 4 (Giroud 69, 5). Subs: Ospina, Debuchy, Gibbs, Chambers, Campbell.

The Northern Echo:

MAN OF THE MATCH

ALEXIS Sanchez – Was the architect of most of Arsenal’s attacks and, in a game low on quality, was a rare bright spot