Arsenal player ratings vs Newcastle as Willian drops horrorshow in FA Cup win

Arsenal: Mikel Arteta on Bukayo Saka’s great form

Arsenal managed a win over Newcastle in the FA Cup deep into extra-time after a dire affair at the Emirates. Mikel Arteta made a number of changes but still fielding a strong XI including Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Nicolas Pepe, Willian, David Luiz and Kieran Tierney.

Emile Smith Rowe opened the scoring with an outstanding finish from a tough angle following a Ciaran Clark mishap in the second-half of extra-time.

Aubameyang made sure of the result with a tap-in but it was all about Kieran Tierney, who put it on a plate for the Arsenal captain with a brilliant run and cross.

The youngster was sent off by referee Chris Kavanagh on the stroke of full-time but VAR saw the decision overturned but the match was not a classic by any means.

Arsenal’s attack was largely disjointed and lacking any shape or system, with Aubameyang, Pepe and Reiss Nelson all guilty – despite the former’s goal.

Willian was blasted by fans after his performance against Newcastle (Image: GETTY)

But none were worse than Willian, who failed to get anything right except a series of sideways passes.

He was hauled off in the second-half for Bukayo Saka, who must now be first-choice at the Emirates over his more experienced teammate.

A largely uneventful first-half coasted by with Aubameyang having the best opportunity of the 45 minutes.

The Gabon international was sent through on goal and thundered a shot that Martin Dubravka got a good hand to, though the deflection dropped to Willian.

Emile Smith Rowe scored the opener for the Gunners (Image: GETTY)

However, the Brazilian’s subsequent effort was not good enough – nearly booting the ball out of the Emirates ground.

Andy Carroll had a brilliant chance after the break to net the opener after the ball was fizzed in by Jeff Hendrick.

The giant frontman stuck a leg out but went wide with Bernd Leno beaten all ends up, and while he was flagged offside TV replays showed he was on – meaning the goal would have stood.

Not long after the match dragged into extra time, Granit Xhaka was nearly the super sub after a fantastic volley that was met by Dubravka with an equally as good save.

Arsenal player ratings

Leno – 6

Largely had nothing to do throughout the match until right at the end of the 90 minutes when he made a fantastic save against Carroll.

Cedric – 4

Third-choice at Arsenal and easy to see why, poor going forward and picked up a booking in the first-half.

Luiz – 8

A real performance from David Luiz, who battled with Carroll throughout the evening, and his balls forward were always positive.

Mari – 7

It is easy to see why Pablo Mari is rated by Arteta, he works hard at the back and is comfortable on the ball.

Tierney – 8

Arsenal’s best player by a mile, his drive and determination serves as a reminder to his teammates how they should play for the Gunners, and fully deserved his late assist.

Elneny – 6

Never one to take risks, kept everything simple with his passing. But his lack of vision hurt Arsenal going forward.

Willock – 3

Passes too short, not enough invention going forward and never seemed to click with his teammates. A real mess of a performance.

Pepe – 5

This was another chance Pepe blew if he wanted to make a name for himself at the Emirates, though he grew more into the match as it went into extra-time.

Willian – 3

Every match the Brazilian plays makes the decision to sign him look more baffling. For such an experienced player, he looks clueless going forward.

Nelson – 4

A late inclusion after the injury to Gabriel Martinelli, Nelson just could not get going against Newcastle.

Aubameyang – 6

Had a couple of decent chances to get on the scoresheet but failed to take them, earlier in the match and got his goal in the end from a fine cross from Tierney.

Subs: Smith Rowe (7), Saka (6), Xhaka (6), Lacazette (6).