Anthony Gordon’s 68th-minute goal saw Newcastle United edge out Premier League title challengers Arsenal at St James’ Park.
After making eight changes for the midweek win at Manchester United in the Carabao Cup, Howe reverted back to the same starting XI that drew 2-2 at Wolves last Saturday.
It was a fiery first-half and tempers reached boiling point in the latter stages when Kai Havertz put in a reckless tackle on Sean Longstaff. A yellow card was awarded and there was no VAR check. Both sets of players clashed with Longstaff, Anthony Gordon and Fabian Schar booked.
It was more of the same in the second half but Newcastle battled and showed their fighting spirit with Gordon’s goal the difference, although it wasn’t without its controversy following a lengthy VAR check.
Here’s our Newcastle United player ratings:
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2. Nick Pope - 7
Reliable when called upon, despite his distribution being a little wayward.
3. Kieran Trippier - 7
Dependable on both sides of the pitch after switching to left-back in the second half. Made some vital defensive headers at the back post.
4. Fabian Schar - 7
Swept things up at the back and threw his body on the line. But his distribution was not to his usual high standards.