Newcastle United secured another impressive victory over Arsenal at St James’ Park, winning 1-0 in the early Premier League match on Saturday. This result mirrors their previous encounter in November, where they also triumphed by the same margin thanks to a late goal from Anthony Gordon.
In this latest match, it was Gordon’s assist that turned the tide. He delivered a precise cross in the 12th minute, allowing Alexander Isak to score with a powerful header. While Isak’s goal ultimately decided the match, Arsenal struggled to find their rhythm and failed to register a single shot on target, leaving Newcastle’s goalkeeper, Nick Pope, largely untested.
James McFadden, a pundit for BBC Sport, highlighted the exceptional performance of Newcastle defender Lewis Hall, noting that he might have gone unnoticed despite his contributions. Hall, who marked his territory well against Arsenal’s dangerous winger Bukayo Saka, was recognized for his efforts with the Man of the Match award.
McFadden praised Hall’s performance during his commentary, stating, “Someone who might have gone under the radar is Lewis Hall at left-back. He has been outstanding for Newcastle today, keeping Bukayo Saka relatively quiet.” This sentiment underlines the significant impact Hall had on the game, particularly in neutralizing one of Arsenal’s key attacking threats.
In terms of statistical contributions, Hall’s performance was impressive. According to data from Sofascore, he recorded eight clearances, four tackles, two blocks, and one interception throughout the match. Additionally, he won six ground duels and four aerial duels, completed 74 percent of his passes, and had a total of 62 touches on the ball.
The local media also reflected Hall’s strong showing, with Chronicle Live awarding him a 9 out of 10 rating. They described his performance as “a Rolls-Royce performance at left-back,” noting his effectiveness both defensively and offensively. Fans were vocal in their appreciation, singing his name as he delivered crucial tackles and clearances.
Similarly, the Shields Gazette rated Hall a 9, commending him for making key defensive blocks that thwarted Arsenal’s attempts at close range. They noted his keen awareness when defending against Saka and his excellent challenge against Leandro Trossard, underscoring his growing influence in the left-back position as he continues to improve week by week.
Overall, Hall’s standout performance not only contributed to Newcastle’s victory but also solidified his place as a vital player for the team this season, showcasing his potential to become a mainstay in their defensive lineup.