Arsenal vs Newcastle United Player Ratings as Saka and Havertz run riot at the Emirates

Arsenal vs Newcastle United Match Overview

Arsenal romped to a thumping 4-1 victory over Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday. Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Jakob Kiwior all scored apiece following Sven Botman’s own goal.

Coming into the fixture on the back of a shock 1-0 loss to Porto in their Champions League round of 16 first-leg, Mikel Arteta’s side needed a big performance here. And big performance they delivered, with the Gunners smashing their visitors out of the park with a clinical display.

An own goal by Botman in the 18th minute put them 1-0 up before Havertz made it 2-0, six minutes later. The German slotted home from close range after Gabriel Martinelli cut it back to him from the byline.

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In the second half, Saka put the tie to bed with a third goal, sending it through a stream of black and white shirts. Just four minutes later, in the 69th minute, Kiwior added a fourth with a header off a corner.

Newcastle, who’d been run roughshod over, managed to pull a consolation goal back late on. Joe Willock made a sublime finish in the 84th minute to reduce the deficit, but it too little too late.

Arsenal vs Newcastle United Player Ratings

Arsenal

David Raya (GK) – 7/10: The Arsenal custodian had a comfortable outing, with Newcastle rarely threatening. He had no chance with Willock’s goal though, thereby missing out on the cleansheet.

Ben White (RB) – 6.5/10: He marshaled the right side of defense with aplomb, but appeared to taper off late on when Arsenal were in charge of the match.

William Saliba (CB) – 7/10: A reliable figure in defense for the Gunners, keeping Alexander Isak firmly under wraps.

Gabriel (CB) – 7/10: With two interceptions, two tackles and one clearance, it’s safe to say the Brazilian was solid at the back. He also tried to make an impact at the other end of the goal from set-pieces, but alas.

Jakub Kiwior (LB) – 8/10: He had no issues dealing with Miguel Almiron and scored Arsenal’s fourth goal with a header.

Declan Rice (LM) – 8.5/10: Arsenal’s battering ram, Rice was key to breaking down Newcastle’s attacking woes and regaining possession. He laid four key passes, laid six crosses and bagged an assist.

Jorginho (CM) – 8/10: The midfield maestro was thoroughly involved in the proceedings and played a key part in Arsenal’s second goal.

Martin Odegaard (RM) – 7.5/10: Not the most eye-catching performer, but Odegaard silently played his part in the big win, hooking up crosses and creating space for attackers to run into.

Bukayo Saka (RW) – 8/10: The Arsenal talisman continued his blistering run of form with a fine goal.

Kai Havertz (ST) – 8.5/10: He scored a goal and bagged an assist, topping off a big performance.

Gabriel Martinelli (LW) – 8/10: The Brazilian was full of energy and purpose in attack, giving the Newcastle backline plenty to ponder over.

Newcastle United

Loris Karius (GK) – 6/10: The Magpies custodian was breached four times, but nonetheless made four key saves too, for which he gets extra-points.

Kieran Trippier (RB) – 5/10: Martinelli gave him a hard time but Trippier stood firm. He registered three clearances and tackles each, while wining four of his six ground duels.

Fabian Schar (CB) – 6/10: He kept his cool even under pressure and made four clearances.

Sven Botman (CB) – 4/10: Botman scored at the wrong end to give Arsenal the lead. He then gifted Havertz the possession which led to Arsenal’s third. A forgetful night for him.

Valentino Livramento (LB) – 5/10: Saka knocked the daylights out of him with his speed and pressing.

Sean Longstaff (RM) – 4.5/10: Was he even on the pitch? If he was, then Longstaff was barely visible, with Arsenal cruising in midfield without facing any resistance.

Bruno Guimaraes (CM) – 6.5/10: A shining light from an otherwise underwhelming show from Newcastle, Bruno was at the heart of his side’s promising moments in attack. He won a staggering nine ground duels too.

Lewis Miley (LM) – 4/10: His positioning was poor and struggled to cope with Arsenal’s intensity.

Miguel Almiron (RW) – 4.5/10: An anonymous performance from the Paraguayan, who was also starved of proper service upfront.

Alexander Isak (ST) – 5/10: The Swede grew into the match after a slow start but ultimately failed to cause any real trouble for Arsenal.

Anthony Gordon (LW) – 5/10: He too failed to offer anything meaningful in attack.

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