Arsenal 0-2 Newcastle: Player ratings as Magpies take giant leap towards Wembley

Arsenal's Carabao Cup hopes were dealt a major blow on Tuesday night as they were beaten 2-0 by Newcastle in the first leg of their semi-final.

While the Gunners were 13 games unbeaten heading into the contest, the visitors were in red-hot form and it was their leading man who separated the two sides at half-time. Alexander Isak, whom we can only dream will one day wound up in red and white, was on hand to convert from close range after Arsenal failed to deal with a hopeful free-kick into the box.

The hosts certainly had the better of the chances in the opening period, though. There were multiple scrambles inside the Newcastle box which were eventually dealt with by the Magpies via outstanding block or smart Martin Dubravka saves.

Dubravka was helpless, however, when Gabriel Martinelli broke in behind from a clever Leandro Trossard first-time pass. The Brazilian stormed towards goal and made good connection with his near-post effort, but the woodwork was on hand to deny Arsenal the opener before Isak broke the deadlock.

Mikel Arteta's side had an almighty task in the second period with Newcastle 26 games unbeaten when scoring the first goal, and that challenge was toughened when Anthony Gordon doubled the visitors' lead at the start of the second-half. The Englishman was on hand to convert from close range after David Raya palmed away Isak's effort.

Arsenal pushed in the aftermath but exasperation and apathy were the prevailing moods as the hosts squandered chance after chance to get back into the game. Kai Havertz's headed miss was the most egregious and a sign that this wouldn't be the Gunners' night.

A crossing barrage ended the contest, with Newcastle mitigating Arsenal's threat from out wide with aplomb. Howe went for a 5-5-0 and was intent on preserving their 2-0 lead.

The Gunners have a monumental task at St. James' Park next month.

Arsenal 0-2 Newcastle player ratings

Goalkeeper & Defenders

David Raya (GK) - 5/10 - Not his best night. There was an early giveaway with the ball, and he perhaps could've done more to ensure his parry didn't land at the feet of Gordon for Newcastle's second - perhaps that's harsh.

Jurrien Timber (RB) - 5.5/10 - We know he's lovely in the build-up and able to get himself out of sticky situations in the face of pressure, but I'd love to see more of him in the final third - especially with Bukayo Saka out of the side. Allowed Gordon to pounce from Raya's parry.

William Saliba (CB) - 5/10 - Saw plenty of Isak, and I'm not going to say the Frenchman came out on top given that the Swede was essentially the difference here. Beaten in the air in the build-up to the opener.

Gabriel (CB) - 5/10 - The Brazilian was busier than his centre-back partner with the ball (not a good thing) but didn't produce in the key defensive moments. He dropped off but failed to deal with the second ball immediately before Isak's opener.

Myles Lewis-Skelly (LB) - 7/10 - The youngster produced a couple of standout moments in the build-up, with his bravery and press-resistance allowing him to escape Newcastle pressure. Coped well for the most part when asked to defend.

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