Newcastle United vs Arsenal highlights – Gunners title hopes in tatters after Isak header
Live and extensive coverage from Newcastle United vs Arsenal at St. James’ Park in the Premier League
Arsenal travel to Newcastle to take on Eddie Howe’s side in the Premier League (Image: James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)
The first of three massive away fixtures arrives for Arsenal as they take on Newcastle United on Tyneside. An infamous fixture of last season, almost exactly a year to the day, where the Gunners suffered their first Premier League defeat.
This time around, Mikel Arteta will be hoping that the football can do the talking and the officiating takes a back seat. After the goal that was allowed to stand last time round, the Gunners have plenty of motivation to go into this.
There are some fitness worries as Martin Odegaard might be close to a return but is not expected to make the trip, while Ben White remains another doubt. Yet there is some good news regarding Gabriel Magalhaes, who is hoped to have recovered from a knee problem.
Meanwhile, the Magpies might have beaten a rotated Chelsea in midweek, they are winless in five Premier League matches and now face another tricky opponent. Arsenal know though that form goes out the window in the intimidating cauldron that is St. James’ Park, and will be ultra-focused to take all three points.
Tom Canton and Kaya Kaynak bring coverage from the St. James’ Park including all the build-up to this lunchtime’s game. Updates and team news to follow…
Player ratings
Awful display all round from #AFC. Thought Trossard and Merino were the most disappointing but could have highlighted almost anyone to be honest.
Read Kaya Kaynak’s full player ratings here.
Leandro Trossard and Mikel Merino were poor in Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Newcastle. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal player ratings (4-4-2)
Trossard struggled on Tyneside / George Wood/GettyImages
GK: David Raya – 6/10 – Helpless for Isak’s close-range header and was reliable when called upon otherwise.
RB: Thomas Partey – 7/10 – The strongest of Arsenal’s defenders, winning plenty of duels up against Newcastle’s willing runners and showing composure under pressure.
CB: William Saliba – 7/10 – Improved Arsenal defensively after missing out through suspension last weekend and was physically dominant.
CB: Gabriel Magalhaes – 6/10 – Left Isak free in the penalty area as the Swede nodded Newcastle in front. Unaware of his surroundings in a decisive moment.
LB: Jurrien Timber – 5/10 – Struggled with the pace and energy of Gordon throughout and was booked for a late challenge after the break.
RM: Bukayo Saka – 7/10 – The brightest spark in the final third for the Gunners – as expected – and will be frustrated with his lack of attacking support from teammates.
CM: Declan Rice – 6/10 – Kept the ball well and swept up when Newcastle did counter-attack. Tried to provide some attacking thrust on occasion but missed a great opportunity late on.
CM: Mikel Merino – 5/10 – Not as impressive as he was against Liverpool and struggled against the intensity of Newcastle’s midfield.
LM: Gabriel Martinelli – 4/10 – Lost almost every single battle with Livramento and was wasteful on the occasions he found himself free. Hooked as Arsenal searched for a goal.
ST: Kai Havertz – 4 /10 – Isolated from first minute to last and couldn’t unnerve Newcastle’s defence whatsoever.
ST: Leandro Trossard – 4/10 – Dropped deep into a number ten role when required but had absolutely no influence on proceedings, other than surrendering possession too easily.
Substitutes
SUB: Ethan Nwaneri (61′ for Martinelli) – 6/10
SUB: Oleksandr Zinchenko (61′ for Merino) – 6/10
SUB: Ben White (71′ for Timber) – 5/10
SUB: Gabriel Jesus (71′ for Trossard) – 6/10
SUB: Jorginho (86′ for Partey) – N/A
Subs not used: Neto (GK), Jakub Kiwior, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Raheem Sterling.
Manager
Mikel Arteta – 4/10 – A concerning display from his side, who offered no attacking threat and struggled to win their individual duels. More dropped points could prove fatal in the title race.