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Arsenal fell to a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium in the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-finals on Tuesday, January 7. The two teams will meet in the second leg in nearly a month's time at St. James' Park, with the winner facing either Tottenham or Liverpool in the final.
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Arsenal started the first half with business as usual as they dominated possession and looked to break down Newcastle's defence with quick passes. They did well to arrive in good areas in and around the 18-yard box but were hounded by the visitors' defenders, who stayed compact and closed down with urgency. As a result, most of the Gunners' early attempts were blocked.
Martin Dubravka was having a relaxed night on one end, while Alexander Isak put Newcastle 1-0 up after 37 minutes, converting a pass from Jacob Murphy. The Swede showed great composure and scored one of the only chances the Magpies had in the first period. Arsenal, on the other hand, attempted 14 shots with just three of those on target as they trailed 1-0 at the interval.
Newcastle carried their late first-half momentum into the second half as they made a bright start and doubled their lead. Anthony Gordon applied the finishing touches to a lovely move as David Raya was unable to do much about the goal. From that point on, Arsenal dominated possession and had the ball for 80% of the second half. However, Newcastle defended with great discipline.
The Gunners attempted nine shots in the second half but none of them were on target, while the visitors fired both their attempts on target. Following Gordon's goal, Mikel Arteta made multiple changes with hopes of a comeback. Newcastle remained focussed and disciplined towards the end of the match to absorb all the pressure from the hosts and still win 2-0.
On that note, let's take a look at Arsenal's player ratings.
Arsenal Player Ratings
David Raya - 6.5/10
Raya made two saves between the sticks for Arsenal and also played seven long balls to open up the play.
Jurrien Timber - 6/10
Timber missed two huge chances to score, but won three duels and made one clearance.
William Saliba - 7/10
The Frenchman was fairly solid at the back as he won four duels, making six clearances and one tackle as well. He also played one key pass and missed one big chance to score.
Gabriel Magalhaes - 6.5/10
Gabriel had a decent game at the back as he won one of his two duels and also made one block. He also attempted three shots, with two on target.
Myles Lewis-Skelly - 6.5/10
Lewis-Skelly had a subpar game after incredible run of form he has been in.
Martin Odegaard - 6.5/10
Odegaard failed to play a single key pass, only managing two crosses, and attempting three shots that were all blocked.
Thomas Partey - 6.5/10
Partey had a decent game in the middle of the park for Arsenal and was subbed off in the second half after facing minor discomfort.
Declan Rice - 8.5/10
Rice had a great personal game as he played five key passes and three accurate crosses, but was unlucky none were converted. He also won eight of 10 duels and completed three dribbles past opponents.
Leandro Trossard - 7.5/10
Trossard had a good first half as he played three key passes and attempted two shots that were blocked. He was subbed off in the second period.
Kai Havertz - 6.5/10
Havertz had a disappointing performance in front of goal for Arsenal and missed a sitter in the second half.
Gabriel Martinelli - 6.5/10
Martinelli saw his first-half attempt rattle against post and had a decent game apart from that.
Substitutes
Jorginho - 7/10
He came on and passed the ball with 91% accuracy, including one key pass and one accurate cross. He also won both his duels and attempted two shots, both being off-target.
Gabriel Jesus - 6.5/10
He replaced Trossard in the second half but could not make an impact on the proceedings as the Gunners lost.
Oleksandr Zincheko - 7/10
Zinchenko came on late in the game and won two duels, playing one key pass as well.
