Newcastle player ratings v Arsenal: Magpies mainstay brilliant with 9/10 display
Midfielders
Jonjo Shelvey – 8: After a quiet start to the game, which saw him fighting to get the ball back, he grew into the clash and started to have a real impact. Dictating play with his passing range, Arsenal failed to heed an early warning and paid the price, his second ball the catalyst which led to Perez’s equaliser.
Mohamed Diame – 7: Clear to see why he is now a firm favourite of Benitez. Work ethic was impressive his physicality broke up play on more than one occasion. Could have offered more at times, but carried out role effectively.
Matt Ritchie – 8: Both wingers found themselves chipping in with a much more defensive contribution than they would have liked, with play often bypassing them in favour of moves through the centre. Ritchie’s lack of pace made it tough for him to have the desired impact – but he showed exceptional composure to finish past Petr Cech.
Kenedy – 7: Like Ritchie, was found helping Paul Dummett out more often than not, but at least his speed allowed him to launch the odd counter attack.
Click below to reveal the ratings for the Newcastle United forwards…