Arsenal 1–0 Newcastle United: Premier League xG, Tactics & Player Ratings

May 19

Score: Arsenal 1–0 Newcastle
Date: May 18, 2025
Competition: Premier League – Matchday 37
Formations: Arsenal 4–3–3 | Newcastle 3–4–2–1
Match Time: 99 mins
Active Play: 51 mins
xG: Arsenal 1.1 – 2.0 Newcastle
xT: Arsenal 0.8 – 1.7 Newcastle

Arsenal vs Newcastle: Game Summary & Match Stats

xG timeline, xT timeline, shotmap, and full match stats from Arsenal vs Newcastle on May 18, 2025. Arsenal won 1–0 despite Newcastle having higher xG and xT.

Analysis: Arsenal – Newcastle

Despite having the lower xG and xT, Arsenal held their nerve defensively and maximized their finishing when it counted.

The game was tightly contested, with Newcastle arguably creating more danger but failing to convert. Arsenal, sitting second in the table, have now secured a spot in the next season’s Champions League.

Newcastle on third place with 66 points, have one leg in Champions league, but with four other teams still in the race…the last game week will be a nervous one.

xG Timeline

Newcastle had more total xG (2.0) compared to Arsenal’s 1.1, with their pressure peaking early and in the final 15 minutes. Arsenal’s xG was generated in fewer phases — particularly around the 55-minute mark where the game’s only goal came.

xT Timeline

Newcastle consistently generated more expected threat across both halves. Arsenal’s buildup was more restrained, but their defensive shape helped reduce high-value chances.

Shotmap

Arsenal took 12 shots — mostly from inside the penalty area — but only 4 were on target. Newcastle fired 14, testing David Raya 5 times. Despite the attempts, Newcastle couldn’t find the net.

Possession & Passing

Arsenal controlled 52% possession and completed 449 passes at 78.4% accuracy. Newcastle wasn’t far behind with 48% and 424 passes. Both teams posted nearly identical passes-per-chain stats (3.3–3.4).

Player Ratings

David Raya – Arsenal – 8.2 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Bukayo Saka – Arsenal – 7.4 ⭐️⭐️

Bruno Guimarães – Newcastle – 7.4 ⭐️

Final Thoughts

This wasn’t a dominant win from Arsenal — but it was efficient. Newcastle showed quality and threat, but lacked the killer edge. The result puts Arsenal in a safety zone for next season Champions League.

Luca Sciacca