- Newcastle took a major step towards Wembley with a 2-0 victory over Arsenal
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Newcastle will take a 2-0 lead into the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal after Eddie Howe’s side earned an impressive victory at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal spurned the opportunity to take the lead when Gabriel Martinelli struck the post when sent clean through on goal in the first half.
Martinelli was made to pay when in-form forward Alexander Isak slotted Newcastle ahead when Arsenal failed to clear following a direct free kick into the box.
Isak proved key as Newcastle doubled their lead in the second half, with David Raya only able to parry his effort into the path of Anthony Gordon for the winger to tap in.
Mail Sport’s Isaan Khan rates the players from the first leg as Newcastle took a major step towards booking a place at Wembley.
Alexander Isak continued his goalscoring form to help Newcastle earn a 2-0 win over Arsenal
Isak struck minutes after Gabriel Martinelli struck the Newcastle post when clean through
Anthony Gordon doubled Newcastle’s lead to boost hopes of booking a place at Wembley
ARSENAL (4-3-3)
DAVID RAYA: 6
Conceded twice. The second goal will frustrate him as he made the initial save. Not helped by a defence that was broken more than usual.
JURRIEN TIMBER: 6
Found it difficult against the pace of Anthony Gordon.
WILLIAM SALIBA: 5.5
Not his usual self, having to navigate the troublesome Alexander Isak.
GABRIEL: 6
Had two strikes at the goal in the first half. Along with Saliba, was stretched by the Toon attack a number of times.
William Saliba was not his usual self at the Emirates and had trouble up against Isak
MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY: 6
Assured on the ball when needed. A real fearlessness, even when in danger.
MARTIN ODEGAARD: 6
The Toon midfield made sure he didn’t have the time to pull the strings for his team.
THOMAS PARTEY: 6
Enjoyed being back in his usual midfield slot. Connected defence to midfield but limited passes forward.
DECLAN RICE: 6.5
Energetic in the middle. Made a few good drives forward in second half in periods where his side were lagging.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI: 6
Should have scored on 29 minutes when one-vs-one with the goalkeeper — he struck the post. Some decent runs on the right wing.
Martinelli should have scored when sent one-on-one with the goalkeeper in the first half
Kai Havertz had a glaring chance to score but the ball struck his shoulder and went wide
KAI HAVERTZ: 5
A very quiet display. Had a great chance on 58 minutes where he messed up his header, the ball going off his shoulder.
LEANDRO TROSSARD: 6.5
Good link-up play. Played Martinelli through, who should score. And also teed up Odegaard around the half-hour mark.
Substitutes –
GABRIEL JESUS: 6
JORGINHO: 6
OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO: 6
Manager –
MIKEL ARTETA: 5.5
NEWCASTLE (4-3-3)
MARTIN DUBRAVKA: 6.5
Struggled on Arsenal set-pieces but walked away with a clean sheet.
TINO LIVRAMENTO: 7.5
Solid at right back. Gave Martinelli limited opportunities to reach the byline.
SVEN BOTMAN: 7.5
His header off the goalkeeper set up Isak’s goal. Good display, got stuck in.
DAN BURN: 7.5
Him and Botman made Havertz anonymous. Pair worked well together.
Botman produced an impressive display as he continues his return from a serious knee injury
Lewis Hall produced an assured an impressive display, despite often swarmed a few times
LEWIS HALL: 7.5
An assured and impressive display by the young full back. Was swarmed a few times but often came out best. What a talent.
JOE WILLOCK: 6.5
Mixed display. Grew into the match as it went on, particularly when Newcastle in the ascendancy.
SANDRO TONALI: 7.5
Calm on the ball. The conductor in his team.
JOELINTON: 7
An engine in midfielder. Hassled the opposition with physicality and played some nice passes.
JACOB MURPHY: 7
Nice work to get the ball to Isak for his opening goal. Put a shift in.
Anthony Gordon showed good anticipation to double Newcastle’s lead in the second half
Isak ran Arsenal’s backline ragged and looked the complete package during the semi-final
ALEXANDER ISAK: 9
Ran the Arsenal backline ragged, scoring a goal and his deflected shot led to Anthony Gordon’s strike. Showcased pacey runs, accurate shooting and hold up play. The complete package. No surprise Arsenal want to sign him.
ANTHONY GORDON: 7.5
Good anticipation to put the Toon two goals up, finishing off Isak’s deflected shot. Lively all night on the left wing.
Substitutes –
SEAN LONGSTAFF: 6.5
LLOYD KELLY: 6.5
HARVEY BARNES: 6.5
MIGUEL ALMIRON: 6.5
Manager –
EDDIE HOWE: 7
