Step aside David Raya, 43-touch diamond was Arsenal’s true hero in Newcastle win

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Arsenal finally got the better of Newcastle United in the final home game of the Premier League season.

The Gunners bid farewell to the Emirates for another season with a 1-0 win over Newcastle.

It wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows in N5 as Mikel Arteta collected a one-match touchline ban, ruling the Arsenal manager out of the Gunners’ trip to St Mary’s on the last day of the campaign. 

Still, the hosts won the game and, to strengthen his Player of the Season claims, Declan Rice was Arsenal’s match-winner, scoring a stunning goal to continue his rich form in the final third. 

• READ MORE: Declan Rice reveals the bold three-word message Mikel Arteta told the Arsenal squad before Newcastle win

Jakub Kiwior was Arsenal’s unsung hero against Newcastle

Though Rice won the game, Gary Neville didn’t hesitate to name David Raya as the Premier League man of the match. 

It was a game of redemption for Raya, who was scolded by Arsenal fans for an early passing mishap that Newcastle so nearly capitalised on. 

Raya found his way back into the game instantly by pulling off a series of stylish saves however, the Spaniard had some competition for his man of the match award.

Jakub Kiwior was head and shoulders above the rest against Newcastle, as the Poland international’s statistics portray. 

The centre-back had a near-faultless performance, contributing an incredible 18 defensive actions and ensuring he wasn’t dribbled past once.

Winning six duels and completing 91% of his passes was the icing on the cake for Kiwior, who orchestrated things at the back for Arsenal against a spirited Newcastle side.

Kiwior sent Andrea Berta a warning against Newcastle

While good performances must be celebrated, there will be a bittersweet feeling regarding the 25-year-old’s heroics at the Emirates.

It might’ve been the defender’s final appearance in N5, as Kiwior is generating a lot of transfer interest ahead of the summer window. 

Though Kiwior started the season poorly, the January 2023 signing has grown into his role to replace Gabriel Magalhaes, making transfer interest come at a bad time.

For the player, the situation is increasingly difficult, as despite his recent form, it’s unlikely that the Pole will ever be in Arteta’s first-choice back four.

Arsenal will enjoy what Kiwior can offer to the defence for now, however, it appears increasingly likely that the defender will leave the club this summer.