Arsenal player ratings vs Newcastle: Pathetic Gabriel Martinelli & Kai Havertz sum up dreadful Gunners as Alexander Isak shows why Mikel Arteta should’ve broke the bank to sign him
The Swede - who was strongly linked with a move to Emirates Stadium in the summer - may have delivered a fatal blow to the Gunners' title hopes
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Arsenal’s hopes of winning the Premier League took an almighty whack at St James’ Park on Saturday as Mikel Arteta’s side endured their second league defeat in three games thanks to a single first-half goal from Alexander Isak.
The Newcastle striker, who has been mentioned as possible transfer target for Arsenal in the past, thundered home a header from a teasing cross by the lively Anthony Gordon after just 12 minutes, and the hosts simply never looked back against a toothless visiting side that created very little in the way of clear-cut chances.
Captain Martin Odegaard was badly missed once again, as the Gunners lacked belief and creativity, and simply never really looked like scoring on what could prove to be a very costly afternoon for the north Londoners.
GOAL rates Arsenal’s players from St James’ Park…
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Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence
David Raya (6/10):
Couldn’t do much about the goal but stopped anything else that came his way.
Thomas Partey (4/10):
Poor clearance in the build-up to the opener. Not convincing at right-back and his presence was missed in midfield against Newcastle.
William Saliba (5/10):
Caught out for Alexander Isak’s goal and there was a distinct lack of communication with Gabriel.
Gabriel (5/10):
Passed fit to play but didn’t impress and his distribution was shaky
Jurrien Timber (4/10):
Struggled up against Gordon who caused problems all afternoon down the Arsenal left.
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Getty Images SportMidfield
Bukayo Saka (5/10):
Looked the most likely Arsenal player to produce something but couldn’t make anything happen on a frustrating afternoon.
Mikel Merino (4/10):
Made very little impact in an underwhelming display against former employers. Booked for a late foul on Bruno Guimaraes and taken off after an hour.
Declan Rice (6/10):
Was much more involved after the substitutions and came very close to a last-gasp equaliser with a deflected effort that rolled just wide.
Gabriel Martinelli (3/10):
Didn’t look to be up for a battle against Tino Livramento and was hooked on the hour.
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Getty Images SportAttack
Kai Havertz (3/10):
Difficult day for the forward. Saw little of the ball and never looked like scoring.
Leandro Trossard (4/10):
Gave the ball away far too many times in a sloppy showing. No surprise to see him hooked on the hour.
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Getty Images SportSubs & Manager
Oleksandr Zinchenko (5/10)
Another player who failed to impress after coming on.
Ethan Nwaneri (5/10):
Couldn’t provide the creativity that had been so badly lacking.
Ben White (5/10):
Did OK but didn’t have much defending to do.
Gabriel Jesus (6/10):
Looked lively but couldn’t find a goal for Arsenal.
Jorginho (N/A)
A late sub.
Mikel Arteta (5/10):
Waited far too long to make changes to his side after a flat first half. Threw on all his substitutes after the break but his team were second best throughout and were deservedly beaten.
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