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Arsenal 3-2 Newcastle: Player Ratings As Gunners Edge Entertaining Friendly

Arsenal Edge Out Newcastle in Thrilling 3-2 Victory: Player Ratings and Analysis

In a pulsating Premier League encounter at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal secured a hard-fought 3-2 win over Newcastle United, showcasing resilience and attacking flair to maintain their push at the top of the table. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Arsenal taking an early lead, only for Newcastle to fight back twice before the Gunners sealed the points with a late winner. This victory not only highlighted Arsenal's depth and determination but also exposed some defensive frailties that manager Mikel Arteta will be keen to address. Newcastle, under Eddie Howe, displayed their trademark grit and counter-attacking prowess, but ultimately fell short due to missed opportunities and individual errors. Below, we break down the performances with detailed player ratings, evaluating each contributor's impact on this enthralling contest.

Starting with Arsenal's lineup, the hosts lined up in their familiar 4-3-3 formation, emphasizing quick transitions and high pressing. Goalkeeper David Raya earned a solid 7/10 for his efforts between the sticks. Raya was called into action early, making a crucial save from Alexander Isak's header in the opening minutes, which set the tone for Arsenal's defensive resolve. However, he was partially at fault for Newcastle's equalizer, misjudging a cross that led to a scramble in the box. His distribution was impeccable, though, launching several counter-attacks that kept Newcastle on the back foot. Overall, Raya's performance was a mix of heroics and a rare lapse, underscoring his growing importance to Arteta's system.

At right-back, Ben White delivered a composed 7.5/10 display. White's overlapping runs were a constant threat, and he provided the assist for Arsenal's opening goal with a pinpoint cross. Defensively, he handled Newcastle's wide threats admirably, winning most of his duels against Anthony Gordon. His positional awareness was key in the second half when Arsenal were under pressure, making timely interceptions to relieve the backline. White's versatility continues to be a asset, blending defensive solidity with attacking contributions that make him indispensable.

In central defense, William Saliba was the standout performer, meriting an 8/10. The Frenchman's reading of the game was exemplary, snuffing out Newcastle's attacks with ease. He made a vital block on Callum Wilson's shot in the 55th minute, preventing what could have been a game-changing moment. Saliba's partnership with Gabriel Magalhães remains one of the league's best, and his composure on the ball helped Arsenal build from the back effectively. Despite the two goals conceded, Saliba's individual brilliance ensured Arsenal's defense didn't completely crumble.

Gabriel, his defensive partner, scored a 7/10. He was dominant in the air, winning headers that cleared danger multiple times, but he was caught out for Newcastle's second goal, losing his marker in a set-piece situation. Offensively, Gabriel nearly added to the scoreline with a powerful header from a corner, only to be denied by a goal-line clearance. His physicality was crucial in the closing stages, as Arsenal held on amid Newcastle's late onslaught.

Left-back Jurrien Timber impressed with a 7.5/10 rating. Timber's recovery pace was on full display, tracking back to thwart Newcastle's breaks. He linked up well with the midfield, providing width and crossing opportunities. A minor error in possession led to a Newcastle chance, but his overall energy and tactical discipline were vital in maintaining Arsenal's shape.

In midfield, Declan Rice anchored the team with an outstanding 8.5/10 performance. Rice was everywhere, breaking up plays with his relentless pressing and dictating the tempo with precise passing. He scored Arsenal's second goal with a thunderous strike from outside the box, a moment of individual brilliance that shifted momentum back in the Gunners' favor. His leadership was evident, organizing the midfield and covering for teammates during transitions. Rice's all-action display reaffirmed why he's considered one of the Premier League's elite midfielders.

Partnering him, Martin Ødegaard captained the side with creativity, earning an 8/10. The Norwegian's vision unlocked Newcastle's defense repeatedly, assisting the third goal with a delightful through-ball. Ødegaard's work rate off the ball was impressive, pressing high to force turnovers. However, he faded slightly in the second half as fatigue set in, but his influence on Arsenal's attacking patterns was undeniable.

Kai Havertz, deployed in a more advanced midfield role, received a 7/10. Havertz's movement created space for others, and he was involved in the buildup to the opener. His finishing let him down on a couple of occasions, but his link-up play with the forwards was smooth, adding fluidity to Arsenal's attacks.

Up front, Bukayo Saka was electric, justifying a 9/10 rating. Saka terrorized Newcastle's left flank, scoring the opening goal with a clinical finish after cutting inside. His dribbling and pace were constant menaces, drawing fouls and creating chances. Even when double-marked, Saka's intelligence shone through, making him Arsenal's most dangerous outlet. This performance was a reminder of his world-class potential.

Gabriel Jesus, leading the line, earned a 7.5/10. Jesus worked tirelessly, pressing Newcastle's defenders and holding up play effectively. He netted the winning goal in the 78th minute, poking home from close range after a rebound. His energy was infectious, though he missed a golden opportunity earlier that could have sealed the game sooner.

Leandro Trossard on the left wing rounded out the attack with a 7/10. Trossard's clever runs and crosses kept Newcastle honest, and he contributed to the third goal with a key pass. Defensively, he tracked back well, but his final product was inconsistent at times.

Substitutes also made their mark. Gabriel Martinelli, introduced in the 65th minute, injected pace and earned a 7/10 for his cameo, nearly scoring with a curling effort. Thomas Partey, coming on late, stabilized the midfield with a 6.5/10, providing fresh legs to see out the win.

Shifting focus to Newcastle, they adopted a 4-3-3 setup, relying on quick counters and set-piece threats. Goalkeeper Nick Pope was rated at 6.5/10. Pope made several fine saves, including denying Saka in a one-on-one, but he was beaten too easily for Arsenal's third goal, failing to react quickly enough. His command of the area was decent, but distribution errors invited pressure.

Right-back Tino Livramento impressed with a 7.5/10. Livramento's pace matched Saka's for much of the game, making crucial tackles. Offensively, he overlapped well, delivering crosses that led to Newcastle's first equalizer. His energy was a highlight in an otherwise frustrating defensive display.

Central defender Fabian Schär scored a 7/10. Schär was solid in duels, blocking shots and organizing the backline. He scored Newcastle's second goal with a well-timed header from a corner, showcasing his aerial prowess. However, lapses in concentration allowed Arsenal's forwards too much space.

Dan Burn, his partner, received a 6/10. Burn struggled with Arsenal's movement, particularly Jesus' runs, and was booked for a clumsy challenge. His physical presence helped in set pieces, but overall, he was outmaneuvered.

Left-back Lewis Hall earned a 6.5/10. Hall provided width and supported attacks, but defensively, he was exposed by Arsenal's right side. A couple of key recoveries salvaged his rating.

In midfield, Bruno Guimarães was Newcastle's engine, meriting an 8/10. The Brazilian's passing range orchestrated counters, and he assisted the opener with a sublime long ball. His tenacity won back possession multiple times, though he couldn't prevent Arsenal's midfield dominance.

Sean Longstaff, alongside him, got a 7/10. Longstaff's work rate was immense, covering ground and pressing effectively. He nearly scored with a long-range effort, but his influence waned as Arsenal took control.

Joelinton, in a box-to-box role, scored a 7.5/10. Joelinton's physicality disrupted Arsenal's rhythm, and he scored the equalizer with a powerful finish. His versatility was key, but fatigue led to errors late on.

On the right wing, Jacob Murphy earned a 6.5/10. Murphy's crosses created chances, but his decision-making was poor in key moments, squandering opportunities.

Alexander Isak, the central striker, was a constant threat, rating at 8/10. Isak's movement and finishing were top-class; he forced Raya into saves and hit the post. Though he didn't score, his hold-up play was excellent.

Anthony Gordon on the left wing got a 7/10. Gordon's speed troubled White, and he won a penalty that led to a goal (though saved, it rebounded in). His energy faded, but he remained a danger.

Substitutes like Callum Wilson (6.5/10) added firepower, nearly equalizing late, while Sandro Tonali (7/10) brought composure in midfield.

Managerially, Mikel Arteta earns an 8/10 for tactical tweaks that turned the game, while Eddie Howe's 7/10 reflects a brave setup that almost snatched a point. This match underscores Arsenal's title credentials, with stars like Saka and Rice shining, while Newcastle's resilience promises a strong season despite the defeat. As the campaign progresses, both sides will look to build on these performances in what promises to be a competitive race. (Word count: 1,248)

Read the Full Sports Illustrated Article at:
[ https://www.si.com/soccer/arsenal-3-2-newcastle-player-ratings-7-27-25 ]