Football Special Report: Newcastle vs. Arsenal- Player Ratings of Gunners.
The north London giants, Arsenal secured a place in the League Cup quarterfinals with a dominant 4-0 thrashing of Newcastle United at Saint James Park.
In what was a somewhat scrappy match which had all the traits to be a technically well-adjusted and fast encounter, Arsenal ruled from start to finish and never looked like conceding to defeat.
Newcastle United tried to become overly physical with the visitors United Giants, but failed to match Arsenal’s weight of possession and astute passing range.
An own goal opened the scoring seconds before the half time break, when a Vela header from a curling corner failed to be cleared by the Magpies defence and eventually resulted in a clearance ricocheting off goalie’s head and into the back of the net.
Arsenal continued to boast heavy possession into the second half and soon found a second when Theo latched onto a header and raced away to all but sink the encounter.
However, there was suspicion that an offside Carlos Vela interfered with the path of one of the Magpies defender, who was trying to catch Theo Walcott.
The game was then predominantly played throughout the middle of the park with the odd chance coming here and there. Fatigue then began to weaken the Magpies fight back and Walcott grabbed a second along with Bendtner scoring a stunning effort.
The Gunners now advanced to the quarter final and the heat is set to pick up as Arsene Wenger look to end his notorious trophy drought at Emirates before the season has even ended.
Player Ratings
Wojciech Szczensy: 8
Szczensy has had to endure watching the more experienced keepers around him falter. Finally the young Polish shot stopper received a rare opportunity and didn't disappoint by making a number of smart saves.
Emmanuel Eboue: 7
As usual, the Ivorian was hyperactive and strong. Eboue provided an added dimension to the Gunners attack with his tormenting runs and was solid in defence.
Laurent Koscielny: 7.5
The new boy of Arsenal returned from injury and made an impressive come back. Koscielny made a number of crunching tackles alongside vital interceptions. The Frenchman also performed impressively in the air.
Johan Djourou: 6
The imposing Swiss struggled early on with pacey frontline but grew as the game wore on and made a number of solid challenges and clearances.
Kieran Gibbs: N/A
Kieran Gibbs again hurt himself in the match and left the pitch in the starting minutes. Gibbs sustained a leg injury and is expected to be out of action for four weeks.
Craig Eastmond: 6.5
Eastmond provided much needed physicality in the Gunners midfield and made a number of strong tackles alongside boasting a neat passing range.
Denilson: 6
The Brazilian young sensation was solid in defence despite the odd lapses in concentration and did contribute in attack as often as possible, but on occasion was too quiet when the Gunners desired more creativity.
Tomas Rosicky: 6.5
Rosicky skippered Arsene Wenger’s side against Newcastle United. He lead from the front and attempted to orchestrate the attack. The Czech international provided some nice touches and passes but often to no reward.
Theo Walcott: 8
Theo Walcott tormented the right flank with devastating runs. The speed machine of Arsenal scored two vital goals to engrave a place in last eight of Carling Cup.
Carlos Vela: 6
Questions will be raised about what the Vela was doing when Walcott scored Arsenal's second but nonetheless the Mexican striker looked lively on occasion but drifted in and out of the game too often and was rightly substituted.
Nicklas Bendtner: 7.5
It was a strong performance from the returning striker, who worked hard and finished immensely for his goal.
Tags: