Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe will be relieved with an improved performance from his side against Arsenal, but the crisis on Tyneside continues with yet another defeat.
The Magpies follow losses to Barcelona, Sunderland, Crystal Palace and AFC Bournemouth with zero points at the Emirates Stadium. A first half Eberechi Eze strike separated the two teams.
The Gunners midfielder made the most of ample space on the edge of the box to rifle past Nick Pope. Newcastle were arguably the better side with long periods of dominance on Saturday evening, but ultimately lacked the cutting edge to make it count. Here’s how the players rated.
Newcastle United player ratings
GK – Nick Pope, 7
Could do little about the goal, that was some finish from Eze. A hair-raising moment when Pope ran out kamikaze-style with 15 minutes left to play to take down Viktor Gyokeres. Lucky to only see yellow.
LB – Dan Burn, 4
All eyes on the full-back with Lewis Hall surprisingly left on the bench. Looked frazzled by Noni Madueke and never comfortable against the winger. The winger burst past Burn ahead of winning the corner, which led to the goal. Did get an important boot on a Bukayo Saka shot in the final 10 minutes.
CB – Malick Thiaw, 7
Solid. Looked strong against the Gunners forwards and his awareness to provide cover for Pope when the goalkeeper clattered into Gyokeres saved the shot-stopper from a red card.
CB – Sven Botman, 5
Not as comfortable as Thiaw at the heart of defence. Needs to look more comfortable with the ball at his feet.
RB – Lewis Miley, 6
Felt somewhat wasted at right back. Always neat on the ball and looks to put the cross in early, but a lack of options to pick out.
CM – Bruno Guimaraes, 6
Full of passion, as always. Ultimately still looks a little off the pace following injury. Lucky not to be punished by a better Arsenal in the 65th minute when dangling a feeble foot in an overcommitted position.
CM – Sandro Tonali, 7
Probably the best Newcastle United player today. Full of running and diligent in his defensive work. Looked to make things happen and helped ensure that the Magpies did control large parts of the game in the centre of the park.
CM – Jacob Ramsey, 6
Nothing spectacular but part of a Newcastle midfield three who ensured the side weren’t overrun by Arsenal. Got back well to stop a dangerous Arsenal counter attack in injury time.
LW – Joe Willock, 5
Had the vision to play William Osula through early doors in a great pass. Showed some tenacity against his former club but leggy towards the end and drifted in and out the game.
ST – William Osula, 4
Fluffed a brilliant chance just 20 seconds in when unable to sort his feet out. Couldn’t even manage to get a shot off. Did have William Saliba sweating at some moments with his running but such little threat overall. A pretty feeble attempt at a block for the Eze goal too.
RW – Jacob Murphy, 3
Poor. Lacked any real dynamism and one of the first to be hauled off when Eddie Howe turned to his bench after the break.
Subs – Yoane Wissa (5), Harvey Barnes (6), Nick Woltemade (7), Anthony Elanga (5).
In other news, Middlesbrough ‘desperate’ to land Newcastle United transfer amid Leeds United interest.
