He missed a huge chance, but Arsenal star was the only top performer in embarrasing Newcastle defeat

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Arsenal were dumped out of the Carabao Cup in frustrating fashion by Newcastle – a team that has become a real problem for Mikel Arteta in recent seasons.

The Magpies were able to do to the Gunners what they have managed to do to other teams during the campaign.

The home side were aggressive in their pressing, making it tough to build out from the back, while they retreated into a sturdy low block when required and defended well.

It means that Newcastle had total control over a tie that Arsenal were simply never able to shake up in their favour.

There were plenty of poor performances for Mikel Arteta to muse over, but one star managed to stand out above the rest.

• READ MORE: Arsenal told the referee made a major error during Newcastle United defeat that cost the Gunners

Martin Odegaard the only standout performer in Newcastle vs Arsenal

Arsenal’s usually solid team were shaken up against Newcastle, with top stars such as Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba looking less reliable than usual.

It meant an even greater reliance on Martin Odegaard, with the club captain needing to take the game head-on.

The Norway international went on to put down one of the biggest chances of the game, slicing an effort at close-range that hit the post.

With it being 0-0 on the night at the time, the midfielder could’ve pulled Arsenal back into it, but just seconds later, the deficit was extended to three rather than cut to one.

Even with such a poor miss though, Odegaard showed his importance throughout the game by calming down a rattled side.

The midfielder often dictated the tempo, picking the ball up and keeping the team ticking during difficult moments.

Unfortunately, his hard work didn’t pay off in a comeback, but he seemed the only one likely to help turn things around.

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Thomas Partey and Declan Rice struggled against Newcastle

While Odegaard dropped deep to help dictate the match, there were struggles for his midfield teammates in the game.

The duo of Thomas Partey and Declan Rice that appeared so solid against Manchester City were anything but against Newcastle.

Both of them struggled in the build-up phase of the match, while they were incapable of breaking up play like they can.

It seemed as though the match totally bypassed them, making it tough to get in the game against the Newcastle trio of Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Lewis Hall.