Arsenal were resoundingly knocked out of the League Cup at the semi-final stage after a comfortable win on the night for Newcastle.
Alexander Isak saw an early goal ruled out for the tightest of offside calls after a quick turnover. However he would get the chance to score again soon after, and despite hitting the post, Jacob Murphy followed in to score and give the home side the lead.
David Raya would then gift the home side their pathway to Wembley, passing the ball loosely only for a turnover of possession to see the ball land at Anthony Gordon’s feet who gratefully scored.
Here is how football.london rated the performances of the Arsenal players:
David Raya – Very little the Spaniard could do about the goal with the shot rebounding off the upright and into the path of Murphy. However he was most certainly at fault for the second, gifting the ball to Newcastle and Gordon scored. 4
Jurrien Timber – Seemed shaken in some moments, running he ball out of play multiple times in the first half. Sadly could do little more in the second. 5
William Saliba – Uncharacteristic from Arsenal’s defenders who were getting caught time and time again. Saliba under pressure got himself booked in the first half failing to deal with the speed of Anthony Gordon and then gifted a chance to score an open goal which the winger missed in the second period. 4
Gabriel Magalhaes – Similarly shaky, the speed and power of Isak, Gordon and Murphy was proving incredibly troublesome for the Gunners’ key figures. 5
Myles Lewis-Skelly – Amongst the frustrations, there were several moments where Myles Lewis-Skelly really shone. The strength of the player and his technical skill to turn away from danger at such an age remain such a joy to watch. 7
Thomas Partey – More strong movements in the middle and some key passes through the opposition and was always an option for the out ball, not really putting a foot wrong. 7
Declan Rice – Full of running as usual but sadly not necessarily with the direction and progression we saw on Sunday. 6
Martin Odegaard – Given a golden chance to score in the first half, the ball fell to the skipper’s feet. However, he sliced his shot onto the post, giving the home side the chance to counter and score. 5
Gabriel Martinelli – Despite showing plenty of running in the first half, the Brazilian had to come off before the break after suffering what looks to be a hamstring problem. 5
Leandro Trossard – Had a chance in the first half from close range but could not quite get enough purchase on the shot to trouble Dubravka. Other than this, he was not able to make a dent in the Magpies’ backline. 5
Kai Havertz – What can you say? Sadly another performance that will have very little change on the forward’s standing while at the other end the dream option for Mikel Arteta scores again. 4
Substitutions:
Ethan Nwaneri – Coming on to replace Gabriel Martinelli in the first half. Sadly he was not able to have the impact many hoped besides some threatening runs and crosses. 6
Mikel Merino – Coming on to replace Martin Odegaard but offered very little. 5
Raheem Sterling – Coming on to replace Leandro Trossard. Nothing offered again. 5
Riccardo Calafiori – Too late to make an impact. n/a
Jorginho – Too late to make an impact. n/a
