'Ruffled' - Gary Neville issues brutal verdict on Arsenal star during Newcastle United defeat

Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville issued a brutal verdict on one of Arsenal’s players during Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup clash with Newcastle United. The Gunners were put to the sword at St James’ Park having already gone there with a two-goal deficit.

Martin Odegaard hit the post in the 19th minute, and just seconds later, Jacob Murphy scored off the inside of the post at the other end, all-but ending the tie. A second-half goal from Anthony Gordon rubber-stampted Newcastle’s spot in the Wembley final, taking advantage of a David Raya error.

Arsenal did create some chances, but they really struggled to get hold of Newcastle when they were on the counter-attack, with Alexander Isak burning them for pace on almost every occasion, and when he didn’t, it was because the Gunners defenders dropped off in anticipation.

That was something Sky Sports pundit Neville picked up on while on co-commentary duties. He said on the coverage: “When the ball gets played up to Isak, the centre-backs don't deal with it and everyone is pushed back to the edge of their own area." He added: “I've never seen Saliba as ruffled. Ever. Gordon and Isak are in his head."

On Arsenal’s efforts in general, Neville said: "I thought Newcastle would go through, but I thought it would be a struggle. But it doesn't look that way at all."

Saliba has been ultra-consistent for much of the season, forming a hugely impressive partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes over the last 18 months or so, but he became only the latest to struggle to deal with Isak on Wednesday night. Isak has been excellent all season, leading to links with Arsenal, scoring 17 goals in the Premier League alone, putting him just four goals off leading scorer Mohamed Salah.

Arsenal next play Newcastle in their penultimate game of the Premier League season, this time at the Emirates Stadium, and Mikel Arteta will need a better game plan for Isak.

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