‘A bargain at £40m’ - Liam Kennedy’s Newcastle United player ratings from ‘special’ Arsenal victory
Newcastle United player ratings from the 2-0 victory against Arsenal on what was an electric night at St James’ Park.
That was pretty special, wasn’t it?
A night under the lights at St James’ Park always has a very unique feel to it, but on Monday evening emotions ran wilder than anyone could even have imagined.
We’re in the era of hope at Newcastle United, after the death of one which had none - and this only feels like the beginning.
Last night the Magpies rounded off their home campaign with a brilliant 2-0 victory over Arsenal, which all-but ended the visitors’ hopes of finishing in the Champions League places.
An own goal from Ben White and a late strike by Bruno Guimaraes clinched all three points on Tyneside.
Eddie Howe made two changes from the side that lost 5-0 to Manchester City.
Callum Wilson made his first start since December after recovering from a calf injury to captain United, while Fabian Schar came in for captain Jamaal Lascelles.
Roared on by the extraordinary Wor Flags display, the Magpies’ first-half performance had everything but a goal.
To sum up Newcastle’s dominance in the opening 45 minutes, Arsenal completed just 83 passes, the second-lowest total recorded by the Gunners in the first half of a Premier League game since 2003-04.
Howe’s side did get the goal they deserved on 56 minutes when Joelinton’s cross was turned home for an own goal from Ben White with Wilson ready to tap home.
Then, with five minutes remaining, Guimaraes wrapped up the victory when the ball fell into the path of the Brazilian after Ramsdale intercepted a through ball into Wilson.
Here’s our editor Liam Kennedy’s Newcastle United player ratings...
1. Martin Dubravka - 7
Rarely called upon, but when he was needed was solid and commanding. Kept things moving with ball at feet, too.
2. Emil Krafth - 8
Was exceptional in an attacking sense, using his speed over long distances to cause Arsenal problems. Defensively, stopped a number of dangerous crosses and dealt with everything the visitors could throw his way.
3. Fabian Schar - 7
Was excellent until injury curtailed his night. Has really grown into this team and is now a very valuable asset with his passing range from deep and excellent defending one-on-one.
4. Dan Burn - 8
I’ve lost count of the amount of goal-saving blocks Burn has made since signing in January - but it’s easily into double figures. United’s best central defender, bar none.