Newcastle United will take a two-goal advantage back to St James’ Park after Tuesday’s 2-0 win over Arsenal.
Newcastle remain in hot pursuit of silverware after winning the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final in North London.
The Magpies headed to the capital full of confidence having won their past six games across all competitions. In the space of a week, Newcastle have now beaten both North London giants.
Having already found the back of the net against Arsenal in the Premier League this season, Alexander Isak hurt the Gunners again by opening the scoring at The Emirates. Just minutes into the second half, Anthony Gordon doubled Newcastle’s lead.
The second leg will be played at St James’ Park on February 5th. Here are the player ratings from Newcastle United’s 2-0 victory.
Martin Dubravka – 7
In what was potentially Dubravka’s final game, the 35-year-old was simply superb. Arsenal’s set-piece threat was nullified by Dubravka bravely coming to collect the ball at every opportunity.
He also made several huge saves, including a vital close-ranged stop at the end of the first half. If this does turn out to be his final game for the club, he leaves out on a high note.
Tino Livramento – 6
Bombed forward whenever possible to join the attack and pile pressure on Arsenal’s left flank. However, that often left Livramento out of position with space for the Gunners to attack.
The 22-year-old was combative in defence with a crunching tackle on Martinelli in the first half. He was a threat in possession but did get caught out once or twice in dangerous areas.
Sven Botman – 7
Nearly caught out by Martinelli in the first half. Alan Shearer thought Botman looked “raw” against Tottenham after returning from injury but he is quickly building up his match rhythm with another impressive display here.
Made several crucial blocks including an instinctive stop after a scrappy pin-ball moment in the first half.
Dan Burn – 8
Steady and reliable. As usual. Newcastle’s 6ft 6in giant had a massive role to play against a very physical Arsenal side. Newcastle needed Burn to dominate in the air and he did just that. While he was caught out for pace a couple of times, he made up for it elsewhere.
Lewis Hall – 7
Up against Leandro Trossard, Hall carried out his defensive responsibilities well. Not as dangerous going forward as he usually is, but was extremely composed in possession and carried the ball out brilliantly.
Sandro Tonali – 9
As he has done so brilliantly in recent weeks, Tonali controlled play from deep and dictated the tempo for the visitors. His passing was so crisp that Arsenal eventually gave up pressing him in the second half.
When Arsenal began to press forward and push forward, Tonali dug deep and was excellent defensively. Simply undroppable at the moment.
Joelinton – 7
After blazing an early chance over the bar, Joelinton settled in well and nullified Martin Odegaard’s threat in midfield by sticking close to the Gunners star out of possession.
Drew a roar from the travelling Newcastle fans by relentlessly running and winning the ball high up the pitch late on.
Joe Willock – 5
With Bruno Guimaraes suspended for the clash, it was Willock who got the nod from Howe to replace him in midfield. Willock put in a steady display but failed to make much of an impression against his former side. He certainly didn’t do enough to keep his starting spot for the second leg.
Jacob Murphy – 7
Yet another assist to add to Murphy’s tally. It was clear that Newcastle wanted to target young left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly and Murphy’s relentless pressing was key to that strategy.
Not only was Murphy impactful going forward, but on several occasions he covered for Livramento defensively.
Anthony Gordon – 7
After a fairly quiet first half, Gordon was alert enough to follow up Isak’s shot and double Newcastle’s lead after the break. Despite not seeing much of the ball on the left, Gordon etched his name on the scoresheet and also helped out Hall defensively before being replaced in the second half.
Alexander Isak – 9
Newcastle’s super Swede made it eight consecutive games with a goal by finding the roof of the net at The Emirates. Isak was a constant threat, driving at Arsenal’s back line at every opportunity. After scoring one of his own, he then created the second goal when his shot was parried into Gordon’s path.
Substitutes
Harvey Barnes – 4
Came on for Isak and drifted out to the left with Gordon going central. However, he misplaced a few passes immediately that piled pressure on Newcastle and wasted a big opportunity when he stumbled in Arsenal’s box.
Sean Longstaff – 6
Brought on to inject some energy in midfield. Didn’t do much of note but kept things tight in midfield and made sure Arsenal’s creative players did not have too much time on the ball.
Lloyd Kelly – 6
Howe changed to a five-at-the-back system by bringing Kelly on for the final 30 minutes. He slotted in seamlessly and helped to handle Arsenal’s late pressure.
Miguel Almiron – 5
Newcastle played without a central striker for the final stages of the game with Almiron brought on to pester the Arsenal back line.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
