FA CUP: Arsenal 2-0 Newcastle. Match Review

Arsenal’s FA Cup title defense began yesterday at the Emirates, in the form of a third round tie against fellow Premier League side Newcastle. Newcastle, who currently sit 15th in the table, had failed to win 10 of their last 11 FA Cup fixtures against other Premier League sides. The Magpies fielded a team lacking star player Allan Saint-Maximin, however, were comforted by the return of captain Joe Lascelles after his battle with COVID-19, as well as having the likes of target man and talisman Andy Carroll up front. The Gunners, on the other hand, only kept 4 starters from their 4-0 win over West Bromwich Albion in the league, including Pierre-Emrick Aubameyang and Kieran Tierney. Gabriel Martinelli was supposed to start, however the 19 year old went down in the warmup with a concerning ankle injury, given his recent return from a leg injury that placed on the sidelines up until December the 19th.

Arsenal enjoyed much of the flow of play in the first half, beginning with a shot from range by Reiss Nelson only 41 seconds into the game, which didn’t trouble Newcastle as Dubravka made a calm save. The Gunners continued to attack down the wings, looking to overload the defence with overlapping runs from the full backs, as had been seen multiple times throughout Arsenal’s 2020 campaign.

The home side had the first real chance of the game when Aubameyang was played in behind by a long ball over the top of the defence. The Gabonian star dribbled in from the wing, eventually unleashing a powerful volley from around 8 yards out, denied by Dubravka’s quick reflexes. The rebound was then fired over the bar from Willian. Only 3 minutes later, Reiss Nelson found himself on the end of a cutback, courtesy of Kieran Tierney. The winger opted to first take a touch instead of striking first time, and was quickly closed down and smothered by defenders just outside the 6 yard box.

With just under 15 minutes left in the half, Nicolas Pepe finds himself entering the box with plenty of room. Instead of shooting with his right foot, or even passing to a central Nelson, he chooses to go to his left foot, where he is quickly dealt with by Lascelles.

Arsenal’s constant play down the wings had troubled Newcastle all half, however, they failed to convert, leaving Gunners fans feeling hard done by with a scoreless half.

HALF TIME: Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle

In the 56th minute, the best chance of the game presented itself – the chance that should’ve sent Arsenal out of the competition. After a botched clearance from both David Luiz and then Tierney, a shot was fired in from the top of the box. It found its way through the whole Arsenal defence, eventually zipping to Andy Carroll on the edge of the 6 yard box. With Leno seemingly beat, all that was needed to be done was to put the ball on target. Carroll’s first touch attempt crossed the face of the goal and went out for a goal kick, leaving fans everywhere asking, “How has he missed that?” A costly, costly mistake.

Aubameyang found himself in another 1v1 against Martin Dubravka, however, an attempted dink over the top or to the side of Dubravka ended up harmfully rolling wide.

Both teams had good chances, however, neither really looked like scoring.

A close range Willock header was palmed away from Dubravka skillfully. The Slovak was having a great game.

The introduction of substitutions brought life to the Arsenal attack (Nelson - Saka, Willock-Xhaka, Willian - Smith-Rowe). On the other hand, Newcastle also took up a more attacking approach (Kraft-Yedlin, Joelinton-Gayle, Almiron-Murphy).

Around the midway point of the half, substitute Smith-Rowe loses control of the ball, and in an attempt to flick it away from his opponent, commits a foul and is punished by a red card due to dangerous conduct. The decision goes to VAR, which shortly reviews and overturns it to a yellow card. A decision applauded by commentators. A decision that changed the game.

Immediately following an Arsenal attack in the 92nd minute, Newcastle worked forward on the counter attack. Cedric manages to block a central shot, however, the ball falls to Andy Carroll 10 yards out. Leno, after having a generally quiet game, rushes out and makes a body save to deny the shot. Just as it looks like the rebound will fall to substitute DeAndre Yedlin, Leno taps it away from his feet, continuing to pivot and dive on the ball – an outstanding and game saving sequence from the German juggernaut in net.

It remains goalless after 90 minutes, as both teams prepare for extra time.

REGULAR TIME FULL TIME: Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle

The first half of extra time fully reflects the game as a whole. Plenty of attacking. No goals.

Alexander Lacazette was introduced for the Gunners, as well as Ritchie and Anderson for the Magpies.

EXTRA TIME HALF TIME: Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle

In the 108th minute, Lacazette holds off a defender at the edge of the D to head the ball into the path of Emile Smith-Rowe. The on-form youngster takes advantage of his second chance to stay on the pitch and makes no mistake of drilling the ball into the far post and in, firing the Gunners into the lead.

109th min: Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle (Goal: E. Smith-Rowe, Assist: A. Lacazette)

Mikel Arteta’s men shortly after doubled their lead in the 117th minute. Kieran Tierney’s backward pass to Granit Xhaka allows the left back to burst in behind as he has all game, catching the defence off guard with a quick 1-2. Tierney then squares the ball to Aubameyang, who has the easy task of tapping it home. Kieran Tierney finally rewarded for his attacking efforts as Pierre Emrick Aubameyang returns to the scoresheet in a sure confidence booster.

117th min: Arsenal 2-0 Newcastle (Goal: P.E. Aubameyang, Assist: K. Tierney)

To end the game, Ainsley Maitland-Niles replaced Cedric Soares in defence.

EXTRA TIME FULL TIME: Arsenal 2-0 Newcastle

A well deserved yet risky win from Arsenal. They produced more than double the shots of Newcastle, with more than four times the amount of shots on target and also withheld 62% of possession. A fitting result.

MATCH AWARDS:

Goals:

- Emile Smith-Rowe x1

- Pierre Emrick Aubameyang x1

Assists:

- Alexander Lacazette x1

- Kieran Tierney x1

Clean Sheets:

- Bernd Leno x1