Arsenal player ratings: 4/10 'daydreaming' and 'poor' 5 as Newcastle United land cup blow

Arsenal were handed a first defeat in 13 matches by an in-form Newcastle United side under the lights at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night in the first leg of this year’s Carabao Cup semi-final.

Mikel Arteta must take his side to St James’ Park next month with a 2-0 deficit to overturn thanks to goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon. The Magpies were good money for their win too, clinical in their chances while Arsenal squandered good opportunities through Gabriel Martinelli and Jurrien Timber.

There were signs of positivity in the second half once Gabriel Jesus and Jorginho were brought onto to pitch but the hosts never really looked like hurting a Newcastle United defence that has conceded just two goals in their last seven. Here’s how the Arsenal players rated.

Arsenal player ratings

GK - David Raya, 7

Played some nice stuff out from the back, although a little heart-in-mouth taking his time occasionally as usual. Not at fault for the goals.

LB - Myles Lewis-Skelly, 7

Another showing with some real moments to admire. There are moments of naivety but he holds the tenacity and pace to make up for those.

CB - Gabriel, 5

Neither Gabriel or William Saliba were their usual selves tonight. Communication looked lacking at times and the Brazilian was beaten by Isak ahead of the second.

CB - William Saliba, 5

Did not look comfortable against Isak from the off. Needed to be much stronger in his defending the run-up to the opener.

RB - Jurrien Timber, 4

Beaten in a footrace by Gordon early on in a moment that served to ignite the Magpies. Caught daydreaming somewhat for the Gordon goal as he couldn’t help Raya out by clearing his save. Missed a really decent headed chance in the first half too.

CM - Thomas Partey, 5

Won a dangerous free kick right on the edge of the box, which Martin Odegaard could only blast into the wall. Has put some dominant performances in lately but this wasn’t one of them.

CM - Declan Rice, 7

Probably the midfielder who looked capable of making things happen. His corner kick delivery was, bar one, superb but couldn’t be turned in. Perhaps could have kept track of Jacob Murphy better before the Isak goal.

CM - Martin Odegaard, 5

Another quieter night. His influence has certainly faded without his relationship with Bukayo Saka.

LW - Gabriel Martinelli, 6

Could’ve put Arsenal in the lead in the first half. Did so well to carve himself that opportunity with his pace and dribbling but lacked quality with the finish.

ST - Kai Havertz, 5

Guilty of such a poor header in the second half, looked somewhat like he had never headed a ball before in his life. Some better moments in the deeper role with Gabriel Jesus up top but little to write home about tonight.

RW - Leandro Trossard, 5

Not given an easy time of it by Anthony Gordon, who was constantly yapping at his heels. The Magpies man committed a couple fouls the referee missed but his hunger was leagues above the Belgian.

SUB - Jorginho, 8

Added stability in midfield. Sat towards the back of the formation and kept feeding the ball back in as the Gunners did search for a goal. Came close to doing that himself with a well struck shot from the edge of the box just creeping over the bar.

SUB - Gabriel Jesus, 7

An immediate pest, Arsenal were a more dangerous side with him in it, but no real chances to get on the scoresheet.

SUB - Oleksandr Zinchenko, 5

Only action of note was a late challenge on Joelinton which saw him shown a yellow card.