Newcastle United 1-2 Arsenal: 5 Hits and Flops

#1 Hit: Mesut Özil

Midfield maestro

Well, precisely the way to silence your critics! Until next week, mind. Expectations on Özil's shoulders have increased under new management and naturally, the German playmaker initially looked to embrace that in pre-season - but uninspiring displays to kick off the campaign saw criticism flying his way once more.

Suggestions of a disagreement between himself and Emery surfaced, were quickly shot down, but it's been clear that Mesut is not playing his preferred number ten role. Still a transitional phase from Wenger's traditional formation preferences, his shift out onto the wings can leave him even more isolated without regular service.

Here, on his 200th club appearance, he excelled against precisely the type of opposition he's earned a reputation for "going missing" against. He took his goal well and created more chances (3) than anyone else on the pitch. Whereas Ramsey, who played through the middle, was wasteful in possession, he was not.

89.5% passing accuracy, this was only bettered by Guendouzi (97.5%). His intelligent movement, the ability to orchestrate and off-the-ball running never tend to show in the statistical columns but he certainly does work hard for the team, more than critics give him credit for. His teammates will be hoping this propels him into an excellent run of form, with plenty of fixtures coming thick and fast shortly.

Stats' source: WhoScored