Newcastle player ratings vs Arsenal - One 8/10 and an anonymous 5/10

A sickener for Newcastle United as two late Arsenal goals saw us lose in stoppage time once again at St James’ Park.

Here are our marks out of 10 and comments on each player involved in yesterday’s 2-1 defeat:

Starting 11

Pope (7.5) - Was exemplary for 90min with some huge saves to keep us in the game until an ill advised quick release turned the ball over which directly lead to the winner. Will be very disappointed with his decision to come out to punch the ball and getting nowhere near it.

Livramento (7) - Was having a solid outing but that’s overshadowed by what looks like a serious injury. Hoping it’s not as bad as initially feared as he’s already overcome one major knee injury in his career

Thiaw* (8) - Has really made an impact since being elevated into the starting eleven with some crucial defensive interceptions. None more impressive than his tackle on Lewis-Skelly in injury time to deny a certain goal. Looked strong, quick and classy on the ball.

Botman (7.5) - Completed the full game and is quickly building an understanding with Thiaw. Beaten in the air by Merino for the equaliser, but was superb against Gyokeres for much of the game and made two vital blocks.

Burn (6.5) - Shoehorned out at left back and left wing back for most of the game and did an admirable job for the most part. Could maybe have done better for the winning goal as he was beaten by Gabriel in the air.

Tonali (7) - Looked absolutely knackered by the end as he ran his socks off as per usual. Showed his IQ by quickly adjusting defensively to shit down the passing lanes into Eze.

Guimaraes (6) - Another fairly ineffectual game from the captain. Was caught in possession which led to the penalty drama in the first half and was otherwise below the standards we have come to accept.

Joelinton (6) - Never got to grips with Arsenal’s midfield and was forced to do a lot of defending to help Burn at left back.

Murphy (5) - Had his blushes spared by VAR after an errant backpass allowed Gyokeres to go through on goal. Was fairly anonymous in an attacking sense and will be disappointed with his performance. Had an opportunity in the second half that he should have done better with.

Gordon (6) - Great to have his energy in the team but he’s lacking an end product at the moment. Got into some good areas but failed to make the most of them.

Woltemade (7.5) - Wonderful header to take the lead in the first half. Showed impressive hold up play and a strong jaw after copping a whack by Gabriel which was strangely missed by VAR. Hooked early as he is clearly working towards optimal conditioning for the premier league

Subs

Trippier (5) - Brought on with the objective to shut up shop and hold on to what we had.

Osula (5.5) - Has a really frustrating habit of doing something really well but then giving away a needless free kick to undo all his good work.

Elanga (6) - Provided a useful outlet and should’ve won a penalty for a handball however VAR adjudged there to have been a deflection off the shin into the arm.

Lascelles (5) - Thrust on unexpectedly due to the injury to Tino and did ok. Very much 5th choice centre back these days. Slightly panicked header that lead to Arsenal’s winning corner.

Barnes (NR) - Barely touched the ball.