Arsenal travelled to face Newcastle United at St James’ Park in a tough Premier League encounter.
Mikel Arteta’s side were still without Martin Odegaard, but they were able to name a strong team. However, an early Alexander Isak goal made it a difficult game for the visitors.
Arsenal went into the game five points behind Manchester City and four behind Liverpool, with it clear that they needed to win in order to close the gap.
It was a poor display from Arsenal, who offered little in attack after Isak scored, and their creative issues continued.
Here’s how the Arsenal squad rated against Newcastle.
Arsenal player ratings vs Newcastle
David Raya: 6
The goalkeeper impressed with his distribution with an excellent pass to Jurrien Timber early on. Could not do anything about Isak’s goal.
Thomas Partey: 7
Broke through the lines well with his passing. Gave away a few fouls as Newcastle battled down his side when at right-back. Very composed on the ball as one of Arsenal’s better players.
William Saliba: 6
Beaten in duels a few times. Did not get on the ball as much as usual.
Gabriel Magalhaes: 5
Not tight enough to Isak for the goal. A few sloppy passes. A good recovery late on in an otherwise quiet display.
Jurrien Timber: 4
Jurrien Timber was beaten by Anthony Gordon on several occasions, including for the Isak goal. Booked for a late challenge on Sandro Tonali after he was dribbled past. Not his best day.
Declan Rice: 5
Poor set-piece deliveries throughout. Sometimes sloppy on the ball. Improved when he pushed forward. Missed a huge chance late on.
Mikel Merino: 6
Solid at times, but did not have enough impact going forward. Put himself at risk with a frustrating yellow card before he was substituted.
Leandro Trossard: 4
Not enough creativity throughout from Leandro Trossard. Struggled against a sizeable Newcastle defence, and gave away some sloppy fouls. Poor display.
Bukayo Saka: 7
Battled well down the right, with little support from the rest of his team. Faded a bit in the second half after a bright start, but still created a huge chance for Declan Rice at the end.
Kai Havertz: 5
Difficult game upfront as he struggled against the Newcastle defence, albeit with little service into him.
Gabriel Martinelli: 5
Could not get the beating of Tino Livramento for most of the game. Some promising dribbles but he will be frustrated at his performance.
Substitutes
Oleksandr Zinchenko – 5
Ethan Nwaneri – 6
Gabriel Jesus – 6
Ben White – 5
Jorginho – 6
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