Newcastle United are taking on Arsenal in their second pre-season friendly and here are the first-half ratings.
It’s been a terrible summer for Newcastle United after their struggles in the transfer window and Alexander Isak’s desire to leave.
A 4-0 defeat to Celtic in their first friendly outing didn’t help morale, either, but Eddie Howe is looking to lift the mood on the opening match of the Asia tour against Arsenal.
The Gunners looked sharp from the off but it was the Magpies who took an unexpected early lead when Anthony Elanga turned in his first goal for the club after six minutes.
Arsenal continued to dominate the ball and create chances and, though Newcastle looked good on the counter, they found a breakthrough in the 32nd minute when Mikel Merino slotted in to the bottom corner.
Moments later, Arsenal were in front when Kai Havertz delivered a dangerous cross and Alex Murphy blasted it into his own net.
Arsenal were energised and threatened to run away with the game but Newcastle managed to go in at the break just a goal behind.
Here’s how the players rated.
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Nick Pope – 6
Played Murphy into trouble on a few occasions with needlessly high and powerful passes that were tough to control, once again highlighting why Newcastle needed to sign James Trafford.
Got behind a couple of efforts on goal and could do little about the goals.
Kieran Trippier – 7.5
A really good display from Trippier, who didn’t need to work as hard as he did in a friendly. The right-back was proactive in winning the ball back and kept Leondro Trossard quiet, though he was beaten by Havertz as he set up the second.
It was his determination not to give up on a wayward pass and then his own excellent ball that created the opening goal, too, with more good forward passes leading to further chances.
Jamaal Lascelles – 5
A first start in 18 months and the rust remains obvious. Jamaal Lascelles looked slow and lumbering in the Singapore heat but that is understandable given his time on the sidelines. His positioning for Arsenal’s leveller was suspect, though.
Dan Burn – 7
The leader of an experimental back four. Made some crucial interjections as Arsenal charged forward and provided support for Murphy when required. Good on the ball.
Alex Murphy – 6
A tough task against Bukayo Saka but he held his own, winning his fair share of battles. Nice touches on the ball and looked positive but somehow absolutely wellied the ball into his own net with his weaker foot. That’s literally the opposite of what he’s supposed to do.
Bruno Guimaraes – 6
Industrious as ever in the middle of the park, making contributions at both ends of the pitch. Tested David Raya with a sweetly struck shot. Lost the ball in a dangerous area as Arsenal equalised.
Sandro Tonali – 7.5
Sublime breaking of the lines with a lung-busting run before his cut back was turned in by Elanga. Had to dig in deep against Arsenal’s dominance on the ball and didn’t pull any challenges in a competitive game.
Joe Willock – 6
A typically quiet display with not much of note other than a few forward passes.
Anthony Elanga – 8
First start and a first goal! Elanga’s shot was scuffed but he won’t mind, especially given his movement to get on the end of Tonali’s pass was very smart. A much-needed boost for Newcastle to see him getting off to a good start.
Showed his dangerous pace on the counter and nice link-up play with Gordon.
Will Osula – 7
Clearly still a raw talent, but his energy was boundless, and he brings a presence to the front line thanks to his pace and strength.
Held the ball up well, competing hard against William Saliba, on his own and played some smart cutbacks to onrushing teammates, with Guimaraes going close on one occasion.
Anthony Gordon – 7
A really promising showing from Anthony Gordon, who struggled for form last season, ever since the red card that cost him a place in the Carabao Cup final starting XI.
The winger worked extremely hard in humid conditions, charging back to help out Murphy against Saka, and looked hungry to impress.
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