Lee Dixon singled out Jurrien Timber for criticism after Anthony Gordon doubled Newcastle’s lead in a 2-0 win over Arsenal, criticising the full-back for being ‘too slow’ to the rebound.
Alexander Isak took his tally to 14 in all competitions with an emphatic 37th-minute strike from close range to break the deadlock in this evening’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.
The Magpies increased the deficit just six minutes into the second half after David Raya kept out Isak’s initial effort, only for Gordon to ghost in at the back post and beat a sleeping Timber to the follow-up.
Arteta’s players appeared dumbfounded as Gordon wheeled away in celebration and the goal drew audible groans from the Emirates crowd, with the hosts unable to respond and facing an uphill battle to progress to this year’s final.
It means Arsenal are without victory in their last two games – after a 1-1 draw at Brighton in the Premier League – and the north Londoners will be desperate to return to winning ways against Manchester United in the FA Cup this weekend.
Watching back replays of Gordon’s goal, ex-Arsenal and England full-back Dixon said on ITV’s commentary of the game: ‘There’s the space, there’s the ball but at the far post, Timber…
‘Bits and pieces, too slow, you’ve got to react from the goalkeeper’s save better than that. Follow it in. Gordon does follow it in, he gets the rewards, 2-0. Big mountain to climb for Arsenal.’
According to Dixon, being alert to the rebound and following in with pace should be ‘bread and better’ for a full-back of Timber’s quality.
‘There was not much snap in that defensive play from Arsenal’s point of view,’ he added.
‘Isak comes into a No.10 position, just picks the ball up, lays it off and then wanders into space.
‘Nobody picks him up, the two centre-backs don’t get tight enough. The shot gets fired away, it’s a decent save from Raya, he’s got to push it somewhere.
‘But that is bread and butter for a full-back to follow in there.
‘Timber was just caught on his heels and Gordon makes him pay.’
Speaking to ITV shortly after the final whistle, Gordon stressed that it was not the time for Newcastle to be celebrating just yet, with another 90 minutes still to play.
On Newcastle’s latest win, the club’s seventh on the spin in all competitions, the England winger said: ‘It’s up there.
‘We knew what type of game it would be, they’re dominant at home. It was always going to be a smash-and-grab.
‘We don’t have time to celebrating this one. They’re one of the best sides in Europe, it’s only 2-0. We need to stay humble.’
Asked whether Isak is the best striker in Europe on current form, Gordon replied: ‘I think so. I think everyone is in agreement with that.
‘He’s on fire. Even for my goal. I’m just gambling back post.
‘It’s all about attitude. It was unbelievable to a man. I want to mention Dan Burn, he’s been our player of the season for me.’
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