The Gunners saw several chances go begging as Newcastle seized control of the Carabao Cup semi-final
Wasteful Arsenal were given a lesson in finishing by in-form Newcastle as Eddie Howe's side took a commanding on the Carabao Cup semi-final with a 2-0 win at Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners created several excellent chances throughout a hugely frustrating evening for the side, but were woeful in front of goal, with Jurrien Timber, Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz all failing to take advantage of glorious opportunities.
And they were punished for their profligacy in front of goal, with Alexander Isak – a striker Arsenal would love to sign – scoring clinically in the first half and Anthony Gordon adding another soon after the interval after Raya had pushed out Isak's shot.
Arsenal couldn't find a way back into the game after that as Newcastle held on comfortable to leave themselves in complete control of the semi-final ahead of the second leg next month.
GOAL rates Arsenal's players from Emirates Stadium…
AFPGoalkeeper & Defence
David Raya (5/10):
Could do nothing with Isak's close range finish, but could maybe have done better with the save that led to Gordon's finish.
Jurrien Timber (6/10):
Decent performance, but wasted a golden opportunity to give Arsenal the lead early on.
William Saliba (6/10):
Isak caused him some problems with his runs down the right channel. Lost an aerial with Dan Burn in the lead up to Isak's first half strike.
Gabriel Magalhaes (6/10):
Had one shot saved by Dubravka. Typically solid at the back.
Myles Lewis-Skelly (7/10):
Good showing again from the youngster, shows real maturity when put under pressure.
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Thomas Partey (6/10):
Played a couple of nice passes, including one that set Arsenal away for the break that saw Martinelli hit the post. Replaced by Jorginho.
Declan Rice (6/10):
Set piece delivery was on point as usual. Won possession well in midfield and got into the box when he could.
Martin Odegaard (5/10):
Looks a player far from his best right now. Struggling for form and fitness.
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Gabriel Martinelli (5/10):
Smashed an effort against the post in the first half with the score at 0-0. Big moment that he failed to take advantage of.
Kai Havertz (5/10):
Back in the side after illness and missed a glorious chance to get Arsenal back in the game in the second half. Awful miss with his shoulder from close range.
Leandro Trossard (5/10):
Produced one clever pass to send Martinelli clear, but aside from that was on the fringes of things.
Subs & Manager
Gabriel Jesus (5/10):
Could do little to alter the game after his introduction.
Jorginho (5/10):
Had one shot blocked, but his introduction for Partey didn't really change much.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (N/A):
No impact. Booked for a wild challenge.
Mikel Arteta (5/10):
With each game that passes his and the club's failure to land a striker in the summer looks a bigger mistake. His team weren't awful tonight, but once again they wasted their chances.