Bukayo Saka shines and Max Dowman stakes claim – Arsenal player ratings v Newcastle
Arsenal continued their pre-season tour of Asia with a 3-2 win with Premier League rivals Newcastle United with two stars in particular catching the eye.
The match didn’t start as planned for Mikel Arteta’s side as Newcastle’s new signing Anthony Elanga put the Toon ahead after only five minutes.
However, two goals in two minutes for the Gunners turned the match around with Mikel Merino scoring the equaliser with a well-placed finish.
Alex Murphy then converted Kai Havertz’s cross into his own net with a finish high into his own net, but Newcastle responded in the second half with Josh Murphy’s low drive beating David Raya.
Captain Martin Odegaard won the game from the spot for Arsenal after Max Dowman was fouled by Joelinton in the box.
Nervy moments in Arsenal defence
David Raya (Off for Kepa 60′) – 6
Not helped with his defence, Raya had a couple of nervy moments playing out from the back. Otherwise, the Spaniard was solid in claiming crosses and saving the few efforts that came his way. Was left wrong footed by Elanga’s finish and couldn’t keep out Murphy’s strike.
Ricardo Calafiori (Off for Jakub Kiwior 46′) – 6
Would have scored if it wasn’t for a vital interception from Nick Pope to clear Bukayo Saka’s corner from underneath his own crossbar. He left the pitch limping and went straight down the tunnel which will be a cause for concern for Arteta.
Ben White (Off for Josh Nicols) – 6
Started at centre-back and moved to right-back following the injury to Calafiori. Was more comfortable when he switched to the full-back role where he is likely to occupy next season.
Myles Lewis-Skelly (Off for Marli Salmon 76‘) – 6
Joined the attack from left-back on multiple occasions and was stepping into midfield when required. A good test against Anthony Elanga which he came through well.
William Saliba (Oleksandr Zinchenko 76′) – 5
A couple of rare minor missteps by a usually solid Saliba, but he didn’t make any major blunders. Will certainly be in the first starting line-up of the season alongside usual centre-back partner Gabriel.
Saka shows class but Nwaneri struggles
Mikel Merino (Off for Declan Rice 68′) – 7
Merino stepped back into midfield instead of playing at striker but he still got on the score sheet. He won the ball back well before making a late run into the penalty area and producing a clean left-footed finish past the reach of Pope.
Ethan Nwaneri (Off for Odegaard 46′) – 4
Failed to make an impact on the game and it was a disappointing match for the 18-year-old who was one of only two Arsenal player’s substituted at half-time.
Martin Zubimendi (Off for Christian Norgaard 76′) – 6
Stayed deep in midfield and looked to shield the back four, earning himself a yellow card in the first half. Did not venture far forward, allowing Merino and then Rice to join the attack.
Bukayo Saka (Off for Max Dowman 59′) – 9 – Man of the Match
Looked sharp down the right flank and gave 21-year-old Murphy a difficult first half. Was lurking at the back post and probably would have scored the second goal had Murphy not scored an own goal. Also, nearly scored a spectacular acrobatic effort it wasn’t for a low save from Pope.
Leandro Trossard (Off for Andre Harriman-Annous 75′) – 7
Given a chance to prove his worth with Madueke and Martinelli both fighting with him for a place on the left flank. Played a defence splitting pass into Havertz in the build-up to the equalising goal and nearly netted himself if it wasn’t for a brave block by Dan Burn.
Kai Havertz (Off for Gabriel Martinelli 60′) – 7
Another player who will have wanted to have impressed manager Mikel Arteta given the announcement of Viktor Gyokeres. Neat flick into Merino to set up the Arsenal equaliser before his cross was converted into the goal by Newcastle defender Murphy. Showed his ariel threat on a couple of occasions.
Dowman impresses in second half cameo
Substitutes
Martin Odegaard (On for Nwaneri 46′) – 7
Immediately showed his class and fine control when he came onto the pitch at half-time. A long-range strike was pushed away by Pope before he converted the penalty past substitute John Ruddy.
Jakub Kiwior (On for Calafiori 46′) – 6
Wasn’t overly tested at centre-back and did well when he came on for the injured Calafiori. Kiwior leave Arsenal though with his future uncertain.
Kepa (On for David Raya 59′) – 6
Had little to do throughout his second half appearance, but his poor pass into Lewis Miley thankfully went unpunished.
Gabriel Martinelli (On for Kai Havertz 59′) – 5
Showed glimpses of his pace and attacking threat, but didn’t make a massive impact on proceedings. Will face stiff competition during the season from Madueke.
Max Dowman (On for Bukayo Saka 59′) – 7
Took a blow to the head just shortly after coming on following a challenge from Joelinton. His powerful run and shot forced Pope into a good low save. Won a penalty with a similarly excellent run forward. Makes a claim to be given minutes next season.
Declan Rice (On for Mikel Merino 68′) – 5
Rice will again be an important player for Arsenal next season, but he was given just over 20 minutes here and didn’t contribute much to the match.
Christain Norgaard (On for Martin Zubimendi 76′) -5
Replaced Zubimendi in the holding midfield role and broke up the play well when required. Will likely be a regular substitute when the season begins.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (On for William Saliba 76′) – 5
Zinchenko is player who could leave Arsenal this summer, had little time to make a significant impact on the match.
Andre Harriman-Annous (On for Leandro Trossard 75′) – 5
A good experience for the youngster, who will be hopeful of more minutes in Arsenal’s next pre-season match against Tottenham.
Marli Salmon (On for Myles Lewis-Skelly 76′) – 5
Another youngster who will be grateful for the minutes on the pitch.
Josh Nicols (On for Ben White 79′) – 5
Had only ten minutes to show his talent, will be hopeful of a greater opportunity against Spurs.