Newcastle United player ratings after their disappointing loss against Arsenal

Newcastle United’s quest to seal Champions League qualification will go down to the final day after a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

The Magpies had their chances. Plenty of them. But in typical fashion, they failed to convert and were punished.

David Raya denied Bruno Guimaraes, Tino Livramento, Harvey Barnes and Dan Burn in the first half, while at the other end, Declan Rice’s thunderous strike proved the difference after the break.

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Eddie Howe made one enforced change from the side that beat Chelsea 2-0 last weekend, as Callum Wilson stepped in for the injured Alexander Isak. There was relief when Sven Botman was passed fit despite a knee scare.

Newcastle matched Arsenal’s intensity for large parts. They just lacked a finishing touch. Now, it all comes down to the final game of the season at home to Everton.

Here are the Newcastle United player ratings from a frustrating afternoon in North London:

Newcastle player ratings vs Arsenal – Premier League (3-4-2-1)

GK: Nick Pope – 8/10

Another strong display. Commanded his area well, came out quickly to sweep danger and pulled off a stunning point-blank stop from Thomas Partey. Had no chance with Declan Rice’s bullet.

CB: Fabian Schar – 6/10

Positionally sound and threw himself in front of shots when required. Composed under pressure but couldn’t get his side forward enough late on.

CB: Sven Botman – 6/10

A welcome return. Got through an hour unscathed after last week’s knee scare. Arsenal rarely got past him and he slipped a lovely ball in for Livramento in the first half.

CB: Dan Burn – 7/10

Another gritty shift from the big man. Put his body on the line and tested Raya with a decent header. Played like every game still means everything.

RWB: Jacob Murphy – 5/10

Solid enough defensively against Gabriel Martinelli but offered little going forward. Final ball was lacking and his number was up on the hour.

CM: Bruno Guimaraes – 7/10

Should have scored early on but fired too close to Raya. Dominated the midfield in the first half and never stopped showing for the ball. Tired late on but gave everything.

CM: Sandro Tonali – 6/10

Got stuck in and worked hard throughout. Some good one-touch passes and clever switches, but lacked that moment of quality in the final third.

LWB: Tino Livramento – 7/10

Outstanding again. Got up and down the left brilliantly, created chances, and defended Bukayo Saka with confidence. Deserves every bit of praise. City's interest makes sense.

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AM: Harvey Barnes – 5/10

Had a golden chance in the first half but saw it saved. Tried to drive at Arsenal’s defence but couldn’t influence the game consistently. Subbed off late.

AM: Anthony Gordon – 6/10

Looked lively early doors but faded. Gave the ball away in the build-up to Rice’s goal and it proved costly. One of his quieter outings.

ST: Callum Wilson – 4/10

Started well but faded quickly. Struggled to hold the ball up, didn’t link well with Gordon or Barnes, and failed to take his big chance with Isak sidelined.

SUB: Lewis Miley (Botman, 63’) – 6/10

Neat and tidy. Tried to make things happen. Kept the ball moving and helped Newcastle push higher late on.

SUB: Emil Krafth (Murphy, 63’) – 5/10

Looked rusty. Picked up a yellow almost instantly and had some nervous moments under pressure.

SUB: Will Osula ( Wilson, 63’) – 4/10

A tough task for the youngster. Was moved out wide and barely had a kick. Couldn’t make an impact.

SUB: Joe Willock (Barnes, 76’) – 5/10

Gave Ben White something to think about with a clever dribble but fired over when well placed.

Manager: Eddie How – 6/10

It was a missed opportunity for Eddie Howe. He had the opportunity to seal Champions League qualification. But, his team let him down. Newcastle had the better chances in the first half but lacked composure. Arsenal punished them in the second. Now, it all comes down to Everton on the final day.