Arsenal 0-2 Newcastle United: Player Ratings as Gunners Continue to Misfire

SI Soccer

·7 January 2025

Arsenal 0-2 Newcastle United: Player Ratings as Gunners Continue to Misfire

Arsenal lost the first leg of the Carabao Cup semifinals with all their work cut out for them when the reverse fixture takes place at St. James' Park.

Newcastle United, despite not having Bruno Guimaraes available, weathered Arsenal's attack and controlled possession waiting for the opportunity to strike. Alexander Isak was the first to take advantage of sloppy defending firing the Magpies in front 38 minutes in. Quickly out of the tunnel in the second half, Anthony Gordon added a second as the Gunners couldn't find a way through.

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That's not to say the Gunners didn't have their opportunities. Gabriel Martinelli hit the post, Kai Havertz poorly timed a header off a deflection, and countless balls from corners were put over the bar.

Mikel Arteta's side without Bukayo Saka looks predictable. Too many attacks are forced to go out wide and neither Martinelli nor Leandro Trossard are in form. Resigned to trying to capitalize on half-chances and set pieces, Arsenal aren't in the driver's seat come the second leg.

Player ratings from the first leg of the semifinals below.