Arsenal ratings: Aaron Ramsdale recovers from nervy start at Newcastle but Emile Smith Rowe and kids flop in crunch game
ARSENAL look to have blown their top four hopes after a torrid defeat at Newcastle.
A Ben White own goal and a Bruno Guimaraes strike downed Mikel Arteta‘s men and left Tottenham in the driving seat for Champions League qualification.
Gary Stonehouse was at St. James’ Park to run the rule over each of the Arsenal players:
AARON RAMSDALE – 6/10
Was a bag of nerves early on with several slips before he took too long clearing his lines and was almost caught out by Miguel Almiron.
Recovered well though to make a number of impressive saves to stop his side falling further behind but could do nothing about the second.
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TAKEHIRO TOMIYASU – 4/10
Suffered a torrid start and struggled with the pace and intensity of the Newcastle attack.
A hamstring injury forced him off before the break to cap off a miserable night for him.
BEN WHITE – 5/10
Booked early for a foul on Callum Wilson after the forward got the wrong side of him.
Was walking a tightrope from then on and never looked comfortable with his disappointing evening summed up by his own goal.
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GABRIEL – 6/10
The Brazilian competed well to be fair as his colleagues in the backline spent much of the contest retreating.
Was replaced by Nicolas Pepe late on as the Gunners began to chase it.
NUNO TAVARES – 5/10
Another who struggled against the pace of the Toon attack.
Taken off after they fell behind.
MOHAMED ELNENY – 6/10
Worked hard in the middle but was caught treading water as Joelinton sprinted past him to create the opener.
GRANIT XHAKA – 6/10
A frustrated figure all game, waving his arms in the air and delivering rollickings to his team-mates without doing very much himself.
BUKAYO SAKA – 6/10
The only threat for the Gunners in the opening period. But largely anonymous after the break.
MARTIN ODEGAARD – 5/10
Struggled to get into the game and make things happen. Went missing when the Gunners needed his eye for a pass most.
EMILE SMITH ROWE – 5/10
Quiet evening for the attacker as he barely got a touch.
Was replaced by Gabriel Martinelli moments into the second half.
EDDIE NKETIAH – 5/10
Starved of the ball in the first period and then got booked instantly after the restart as he caused a nasty head injury to Fabian Schar.
Another that failed to make an impact.
SUBSTITUTES
CEDRIC SOARES (ON 39 MINUTES) – 5/10
Failed to shore up the defence or help to get forward and support the attack.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI (ON 53 MINUTES) – 6/10
Always wanted the ball once he was introduced and tried to make things happen.
ALEXANDRE LACAZETTE (ON 62 MINUTES) – 5/10
May as well have stayed on the bench as did not make any impact.
NICOLAS PEPE (ON 73 MINUTES) – 5/10
See above. Nothing of note from the winger after his arrival.