Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle: Player ratings as Gunners held in stalemate

Arsenal could only extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to eight points as they were shut out by Newcastle in a 0-0 draw on Tuesday night.

The Gunners came out of the blocks rapidly and almost opened the scoring early on through Martin Odegaard. It didn’t take long for the stout visitors to gain some control without the ball, though, and their 4-5-1 mid-block began to frustrate the hosts.

However, the Magpies didn’t pose much of a threat until Joelinton headed wide from a flicked-on inswinging corner just before half-time.

The dynamic of the contest failed to change after the restart as Newcastle continued to stifle the Premier League leaders. The Gunners continued to push, though, and their threat became more ominous in the closing stages. Gabriel Martinelli went close with a header before Eddie Nketiah’s left-footed effort was denied brilliantly by Nick Pope.

However, they were unable to breach the Premier League’s best defence as Newcastle earned a well-fought point.

Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle player ratings

Here are the Arsenal player ratings from their 0-0 draw with the Magpies.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – 5/10 – Almost handed the visitors the lead early on in the second half when he was caught in possession by Joelinton. I don’t think he had a save to make.

Ben White (RB) – 6/10 – Joelinton’s outstanding defensive effort meant White didn’t have too much of an impact with the ball, but the Brazilian didn’t give the Arsenal man too many problems going the other way.

William Saliba (CB) – 6.5/10 – More assured from Wilo tonight, but he’s not back to his imperious best just yet. Still, the Frenchman was dominant in the air throughout and positionally excellent in crossing situations.

Gabriel (CB) – 7/10 – The Brazilian didn’t seem to be too heavily involved in this one – his supposed anonymity can only be a positive. Came close to breaking the deadlock in the first half and was progressive in possession.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB) – 7.5/10 – His rare mishap with the ball was the only blemish in an otherwise assured display. Some of his wrapped passes to receivers between the lines were sumptuous. The left-back wasn’t tested too much defensively, especially by Miguel Almiron.

Continued on the next slide…

Midfielders

Thomas Partey (DM) – 5/10 – Not good enough with the ball tonight – forced too many passes. Effectively stopped the visitors from causing a problem in transition, though.

Granit Xhaka (CM) – 6/10 – Started the contest brightly and caused Newcastle a few issues with his darts in behind. Positioned himself well between the lines, but he wasn’t able to have too much of an impact in the final third.

Martin Odegaard (CM) – 5/10 – Shackled by a physical Magpies midfield, Odegaard was not at the races on Tuesday night. His creative influence was close to nil, and he rushed his final action.

Continued on the next slide…

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) – 6/10 – Skinned Dan Burn the first time they locked horns and Eddie Howe immediately set about nullifying the Arsenal wide man. Saka was constantly met with two or three Newcastle defenders which meant he found it tough to have a major influence.

Eddie Nketiah (ST) – 6/10 – Newcastle’s stout defence and three-man midfield meant it was tough for Eddie to get into the game. He was often working off scraps, but he did a good job of getting the Gunners up the field in the first half. Drew a big save out of Nick Pope late on.

Gabriel Martinelli (LW) – 5.5/10 – Kieran Tripper and, initially, Almiron did a superb job in keeping Martinelli quiet for most of the game. The Brazilian came close with a glancing header in the second period.

Substitutes

Takehiro Tomiyasu – 5.5/10