Newcastle United faced off against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium earlier this afternoon as they hoped to grind out a result on their travels. The Magpies kept things solid defensively in the first half and went into the half-time break with a goalless scoreline.
Bukayo Saka gave the North London outfit the all-important lead in the 56th minute with a tidy finish from close range. Gabriel Martinelli doubled Arsenal’s advantage just ten minutes later with a great volley. The Tyneside outfit failed to come up with a response and ended up losing the contest by a 2-0 scoreline.
Let’s take a look at how each Newcastle United player performed during the match against the Gunners.
GK: Martin Dubravka – 7/10
The Magpies keeper made a few decent saves during the game to keep the scoreline down. However, he won’t be happy after conceding two goals in the second half.
RB: Emile Krafth – 6/10
He tried his best to keep things solid at the back. However, his impact on the game was minimal in the final third.
CB: Jamaal Lascelles – 6.5/10
Lascelles made plenty of last-ditch clearances inside his half. However, he lacked the pace to keep up with the Arsenal attackers at times, especially in the second half.
CB: Fabian Schar – 6.5/10
The Newcastle centre-back made a few important interceptions on the defensive end of the field. He also cleared the danger when needed and was a threat going forward as well.
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LB: Matt Ritchie – 5/10
Ritchie did his best to keep things tidy at the back in the first 45 minutes. However, he made a poor start to the second half and got replaced in the 66th minute.
RM: Ryan Fraser – 6.5/10
He worked hard defensively and had a couple of lively moments in the final third.
CM: Jonjo Shelvey – 7/10
Shelvey anchored the midfield to the best of his ability. He also had multiple shot attempts but failed to register a goal.
CM: Joe Willock – 7/10
The English midfield ace did his fair share of defending and was quite bright on the ball. He also made two encouraging runs going forward.
LM: Allan Saint-Maximin – 6.5/10
He completed a few promising dribbles with the ball down the left wing. However, Saint-Maximin lacked the cutting edge in the final third.
ST: Joelinton – 6/10
Joelinton was a frustrated figure in the attacking end of the field and got substituted after the hour mark.
ST: Callum Wilson – 5.5/10
He offered very little up top and never got a sniff at goal. It was a disappointing performance from him today.
Substitutes:
CAM: Miguel Almiron – 6/10
Almiron made one good chance in the opponent’s half.
LM: Jacob Murphy – 6/10
He got stuck in with a couple of tackles.
CM: Isaac Hayden – N/A
Hayden hardly had any time to make an impact.
