Newcastle will take a 2-0 lead into the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal after Eddie Howe's side recorded an impressive victory at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal spurned the chance to take the lead when Gabriel Martinelli hit the post as he was sent through on goal in the first half.
Martinelli was made to pay as in-form striker Alexander Isak put Newcastle ahead when Arsenal failed to clear from a direct free-kick into the penalty area.
Isak proved key as Newcastle doubled their lead in the second half, with David Raya only able to parry his effort into the path of Anthony Gordon for the winger to tap home.
Mail Sport's Isaan Khan rates the players from the first leg as Newcastle took a big step towards booking a place at Wembley.
ARSENAL (4-3-3)
DAVID RAYA: 6
Conceded twice. The second goal will frustrate him as he made the first save. Not helped by a defense that was more broken than usual.
JURRIEN HOUT: 6
Found it difficult against Anthony Gordon's pace.
WILLEM SALIBA: 5.5
Not his usual self, as he has to navigate the tricky Alexander Isak.
GABRIEL: 6
Had two goals on target in the first half. Together with Saliba, he was stretched a number of times by the Toon attack.
MYLES LEWIS-SKELY: 6
Certainly on the ball when necessary. A true fearlessness, even in the face of danger.
MARTIJN ODEGAARD: 6
Toon's midfield ensured that he had no time to pull the strings for his team.
THOMAS PARTY: 6
I enjoyed being back in his usual spot in midfield. Connected defense with midfield, but limited passing forward.
DECLAN RICE: 6.5
Energetic in the middle. Made some good attacks forward in the second half in periods when his side were trailing.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI: 6
Should have scored in the 29th minute when it was one-on-one with the goalkeeper: he hit the post. Some nice runs on the right wing.
KAI HAVERTZ: 5
A very peaceful display. Had a great chance in the 58th minute when he botched his header and the ball went off his shoulder.
LEANDRO TROSSARD: 6.5
Good matching game. Martinelli played on, who had to score. And Odegaard also stopped around the half hour mark.
substitutes –
GABRIEL JESUS: 6
JORGINHO: 6
OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO: 6
Administrator –
MIKEL ARTETA: 5.5
NEWCASTLE (4-3-3)
MARTIN DUBRAVKA: 6.5
Struggled with Arsenal's set pieces but walked away with a clean sheet.
TINO LIVRAMENTO: 7.5
Solid right rear. Gave Martinelli limited options to reach the byline.
SVEN BOTMAN: 7.5
His header from the goalkeeper set up Isak's goal. Good display, stuck.
THEN BURN: 7.5
He and Botman made Havertz anonymous. Couple worked well together.
LEWIS ROOM: 7.5
A confident and impressive performance from the young full-back. Got swarmed a few times, but often came out on top. What a talent.
JOE WILLOCK: 6.5
Mixed view. As the match progressed the competition grew, especially as Newcastle were on the rise.
SANDRO TONALI: 7.5
Rest on the ball. The conductor in his team.
JOELINTON: 7
An engine in the midfielder. Troubled the opponent with physicality and played some nice passes.
JACOB MURPHY: 7
Nice work getting the ball to Isak for his opening goal. Make a shift.
ALEXANDER ISAK: 9
Arsenal's backline was ragged, scored a goal and his deflected shot led to Anthony Gordon's strike. Demonstrated quick runs, accurate shooting and hold-up play. The complete package. No surprise that Arsenal want to sign him.
ANTHONY GORDON: 7.5
Good anticipation to give the Toon two goals and to finish Isak's deflected shot. Lively on the left wing all night.
substitutes –
SEAN LONGSTAFF: 6.5
LLOYD KELLY: 6.5
HARVEY BARNES: 6.5
MIGUEL ALMIRON: 6.5
Administrator –
EDDIE HOW: 7
Comments