Newcastle Toons
Fansided

Toon Takeaways from Newcastle United’s 2-1 loss to Arsenal

By Carson A Merk

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 15: Matt Ritchie of Newcastle United is challenged by Henrikh Mkhitaryan of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal FC at St. James Park on September 15, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 15: Matt Ritchie of Newcastle United is challenged by Henrikh Mkhitaryan of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal FC at St. James Park on September 15, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

After a positive first half, the wheels fell off for Newcastle United in a loss to the Gunners.

Newcastle United will have to wait at least another week to win their first Premier League match of the season. Despite playing well in the first half, the Magpies were handed a 2-1 defeat by Arsenal at St. James’ Park.

Top Toons

Matt Ritchie: With Newcastle United pushing the action during the first half, Ritchie was at the center of it. His pressure and quick passing helped the Magpies have a positive first 45 minutes.

Jacob Murphy: Starting in place of Kenedy, Murphy showcased why the club signed him last summer. His pace and aggressiveness helped create chances, but his work in the final third needed to be better.

Ciaran Clark: He scored the lone goal for Newcastle United.

Mediocre Magpies

Mohamed Diame: Remember when Mighty Mo was really bad early last season? Well, he has been again this season. The midfielder’s distribution was rough and his physicality didn’t help Newcastle United from being overrun in the middle of the park.

Isaac Hayden: A good bit of the match, I forgot Hayden was on the pitch. A surprise starter in place of either Jonjo Shelvey or Ki, he was forgettable against his former club.

Kenedy: He came off the bench for the first time this season for Newcastle and was the exact opposite of what Rafa was hoping for. He coupled a poor corner delivery with a lazy giveaway in an especially poor sequence.

Quick Kicks

  • Joselu was quality, especially in the first half, with his quick taps and flips in the attack. He needed to have more of an impact in the area and should’ve buried his headed chance last in the second half.
  • Hopefully, Jamaal Lascelles’ injury is a minor one. He was laboring in the first half and without him in the second half, Newcastle United conceded twice.
  • Starting next to Lascelles, Federico Fernandez had a solid match. He made a couple huge tackles and delivered a perfect cross on Clark’s goal. Unfortunately, his foul on Aubameyang set up the Granit Xhaka free kick goal.
  • Despite being dominated in possession in the first half, Newcastle United were the better side. But, they couldn’t capitalize on their positive chances and will be left disappointed.

Next. Dubravka is a top-10 EPL goalkeeper. dark

What’s Next?

Newcastle United will hit the road to face Crystal Palace. Roy Hodgson’s side won their second match of the season today, by way of a Wilfried Zaha goal, against Huddersfield Town.