One 10/10, several 9s and a rusty 7 – Player ratings from Arsenal 0-2 Newcastle
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4 – 5 minutes
A memorable win for Newcastle United and a huge step towards Wembley (we hope!) as Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon and a heroic defensive effort helped us to a 2-0 win at Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.
Dubravka (8) – A clean sheet on what could be his final game for us. Great servant to the club but I won’t miss his tendency to punch crosses he could easily catch! A few messy moments but he did make a vital stop to deny Gabriel in the first half.
Livramento (8.5) – One of the best one on one defenders in the country. Defended tremendously and offered the Arsenal wingers nothing.
Botman (9) – Has done incredibly well to make it through consecutive games after a long lay off. Played much better when we sat back and the game was in front of him, also making a HUGE block in the first half to deny Havertz. Good understanding with Burn and made so many clearances as Arsenal put cross after cross into the box late on.
Burn (9) – Was caught out with his lack of pace once in the first half but was a colossus otherwise. Threw himself in front of everything and won everything in the air. Man mountain who rightfully got praise from Gordon in his post-match interview.
Hall (8.5) – Yet another unbelievable performance. Was caught out a bit defending set pieces but from open play he was flawless. Dribbling in tight areas a particular highlight. Defensively MUCH improved, showing so much discipline.
Willock (7) – Had the unenviable job of replacing Bruno and wasn’t at his best in an attacking sense – a few loose touches saw him lose the ball in bad areas – but did his defensive work was good to consistently track their midfiel. Has more to offer and still looks a bit rusty after a stop-start season.
Tonali (10) – Yup, a ten. He was absolutely everywhere and put it one of the best midfield performances in recent memory. Our Italian maestro quickly turning into a world beater. So tidy in possession, positionally impeccable, presses like a mad man and covers every blade of grass.
Joelinton (8) – Towering performance from big Joe who was knackered by full time. Held the ball up expertly and has matured a lot in possession, even if some of his passing was a little mixed. Defensively very good with great discipline positionally.
Murphy (8.5) – Assist for Isak and played a huge role in the second with a great pass to Isak. Is playing with an immense amount of confidence and did a great job defensively down Tino’s side.
Gordon (9) – Bruised and battered but popped up with a real poachers goal. Consistent causing problems with his pace and intelligent runs. Hitting his best form and worked so, so hard.
Isak (9.5) – I’ve never seen Saliba and Gabriel look so uncomfortable. Linked the play, ran the channels and caused them hell. Not sure he meant to hit it off the crossbar but they all count! Yet another goal for our talisman and a key role in Gordon’s second, too. Hooked after 65 minutes to wrap him in cotton wool.
Subs:
Barnes (7) – Tripped over while in a good attacking position but his remit was to be disciplined defensively which he did well. Not the right game to showcase his attacking prowess
Longstaff (8) – Defensively put in a great shift with his fresh legs coming in handy on several occasions. A couple of great defensive reads topped off a great cameo
Kelly (7.5) – Was sent on to defend and that’s exactly what he did. It was attack vs defence and the defence came out on top.
Almiron (7.5) – Defended well and was our main attacking outlet by the end of the game. Typically energetic
