Newcastle United player ratings vs Arsenal: 'Horrific' 3/10 & 'isolated' 5/10 in 4-1 defeat

Newcastle United player ratings vs Arsenal: An own goal from Sven Botman and goals from Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Jakub Kiwior inflicted a 4-1 defeat on Eddie Howe's side.

Newcastle United suffered a 4-1 defeat to Premier League title challengers Arsenal.

An own goal from Sven Botman and a strike from Kai Havertz put the Gunners 2-0 up at half-time before Bukayo Saka and Jakub Kiwior added to the score line.

Former Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock - making his first appearance since November after recovering from an Achilles issue - pulled one back 11 minutes after coming on a substitute to register what was United's first goal at the Emirates since 2014.

But as records go, Newcastle haven't won at the North London venue for 14 years.

United boss Eddie Howe made three changes from last weekend's 2-2 draw at home to AFC Bournemouth, one of which was enforced as goalkeeper Loris Karius made his first Premier League start since May 2018 with Martin Dubravka unwell.

The outfield changes seen Alexander Isak return from injury in place of Harvey Barnes while Tino Livramento was named at left-back ahead of Dan Burn.

It took Arsenal 18 minutes to break the deadlock and it arrived with a hint of good fortune as Botman turned what was a good save from Karius to deny Gabriel into his own net.

The United defence was caught off guard six minutes later as Gabriel Martinelli raced in behind to set up Havertz, who doubled the hosts' lead.

The home side added a third in the 65th minute when Saka cut inside on the right to slot home before Kiwior quickly added a fourth.

Willock scored a consolation goal in 84th minute when he headed home Dan Burn's cross as Newcastle remain 8th in the Premier League table.

Our writer Jordan Cronin was at the Emirates and here's his Newcastle United player ratings:

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