Player Ratings: Arsenal 0-2 Newcastle 

Newcastle moved one step closer to Wembley on a disappointing evening for Arsenal 

In-form Alexander Isak netted his 14th goal in 15 games to set Newcastle on the way to a seventh successive win, and plant one foot firmly at Wembley.

Eddie Howe's side sealed a vital victory when Anthony Gordon slotted home from close range when following up Isak's low effort that Gunners keeper David Raya could only palm into his path to make the score an emphatic 2-0 as the 6,000 travelling Newcastle fans sang jubilantly of Wembley.

Find out who impressed in red and white with our Player Ratings after a disappointing evening at the Emirates 

Player Ratings:

David Raya: 6/10 - Isak left the Arsenal keeper with no chance for Newcastle’s route one opener on 37 minutes. Perhaps should have done better when only palming away the outstanding Isak’s low drive on 51 minutes that saw Gordon slot home ahead of Timber

Jurrien Timber: 5/10 - The former Ajax defender restored to the team after a one match ban for picking up five yellow cards that saw the tough Dutchman forced to miss the draw at Brighton nearly scored early on. But his header over when well-placed from Declan Rice’s corner flew over the bar. Should have reacted faster than Anthony Gordon for visitors second goal

William Saliba: 6/10 - Second half header nearly gave Arsenal hope but at 2-0 already down the evening certainly wasn’t the Frenchman’s finest in red and white

Gabriel: 6/10 - Not afraid to supplement attacking colleagues further forward as evidenced by his low drive that flew past Magpies keeper Martin Dubravka just before the half hour mark

Myles Lewis-Skelly: 6.5/10 - Testament to the talented 18-year-old’s first team performances that boss Mikel Arteta preferred the London-born left-back instead of Riccardo Calafiori

Thomas Partey: 6/10 - Restored to his usual spot in midfield following another underwhelming display when forced to operate at right-back by Arteta.

Declan Rice: 5.5/10 - Corners for set pieces needed to be recalibrated as delivery was off target at times

Martin Odegaard: 5/10 - Not as influential as the Gunners captain would have liked during a frustrating opening 45 minutes

Leandro Trossard: 4/10 - A disappointing display. Largely anonymous when his creative drive was badly needed to break down an obdurate Newcastle backline

Kai Havertz: 4/10 - Back following a bug that forced the Gunners No29 to miss the first two games of 2025. Interesting to note that the striker intermittently switched his position with Martinelli in a bid to find space and develop opportunity  

Gabi Martinelli: 5/10 - Engaged in an absorbing duel with the Magpies’ fit-again Sven Botman along the left flank. Struck the post in the first half with a rasping drive that deserved a goal

Substitutes:

Jorginho: 5/10 - Swapped with Partey on 59 minutes.Booked

Jesus: 5/10 - Replaced an underwhelming Trossard in double substitution just before the hour mark

Alex Zinchenko: 5/10 - Swapped with MLS as the clock ticked down. First action was to get booked

Eddie Howe showing his inherent caution by bringing off Isak and going five at the back at 2-0 as Newcastle fans sing of Wembley. There's a long way to go yet I'd humbly venture...

— Layth (@laythy29) January 7, 2025