Arsenal player ratings vs Newcastle: Emile Smith Rowe and Kieran Tierney step up in FA Cup

Arsenal v Newcastle United - FA Cup Third Round
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Arsenal kicked off their defence of the FA Cup by beating Newcastle United 2-0 in extra-time.

Simon Collings was at Emirates Stadium to run the rule over the players…

Arsenal

Bernd Leno 7

Was having a quiet evening’s work and then had to make a brilliant save moments before extra-time. Dealt with it well and showed why he is trusted over Alex Runarsson.

Cedric Soares 6

Solid defensively but going forward his game lacked an end product. A few times he got in good positions and his crosses weren’t up to scratch.

David Luiz 8

Back in the side and gave a good showing upon his return. Looked great in possession and was calm and composed at the back.

Pablo Mari 8

The Spaniard is enjoying a good run in the side and is taking his chance with both hands. Solid in the air and coped with threat of Andy Carroll.

Arsenal v Newcastle United - FA Cup Third Round
Getty Images

Kieran Tierney 8 | Star man

Running out of superlatives for the left-back, who just keeps performing every single week. Going forward he was such a threat and assisted the second goal.

Joe Willock 5

Worked hard in the midfield two, but did not look as effective as he does when playing as a No10. Missed a good chance in the second-half when he headed wide.

Mohamed Elneny 6

Another neat and tidy performance from the Egyptian. Didn’t really put a foot wrong and was steady as ever in the middle of the park.

Nicolas Pepe 6

Plenty of effort and a few bright moments, but you still expect more from a player with his price tag. Another frustrating performance.

Willian 3

Played as a No10 and on the left wing - but just didn’t influence the game at all. Looks a shadow of the player he was at Chelsea last season.

Reiss Nelson 5

Handed a start at late notice after Gabriel Martinelli got injured in the warm-up. Failed to take his chance, though, and was hooked after just over 50 minutes.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 7

Worked tirelessly again and finally got his goal minutes before full-time. A big confidence boost for the captain.

FBL-ENG-FA CUP-ARSENAL-NEWCASTLE
AFP via Getty Images

Substitutions

Emile Smith Rowe (Nelson 56’) 8

Off the bench and ended up scoring the opening goal. Performance was full of energy and creativity. Looks a real talent.

Granit Xhaka (Willock 66’) 7

Made a real difference when he came on. Looked to get the ball forward and was incisive with his passing.

Bukayo Saka (Willian 66’) 7

Arsenal missed him badly until he came off the bench. The team’s best attacking player and irreplaceable right now.

Alexandre Lacazette (Pepe 105’) 7

Off the bench and played his hand in the winning goal by flicking the ball on for Smith Rowe to score.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles (Cedric 120’) N/A

Subs not used: Runarsson, Chambers, Nketiah.

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