Eddie Howe was in the dugout for the first time as Newcastle United manager at Saturday lunchtime, but he saw his team lose 2-0 at Arsenal.

Second half goals from Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli were more than enough in the end for the hosts, as the Magpies failed to put up much of a fight.

Using statistical experts SofaScore, The Transfer Tavern have analysed the three worst players (to have played at least 45 minutes) on the day for the visitors...

Allan Saint-Maximin (6.2)

Admittedly tied with second place in terms of rating given by SofaScore (6.2), Saint-Maximin comes in third here as he at least looked quite lively, especially towards the end of the game.

However, the winger lost out on nine of his duels and managed only one shot on goal, while his 37 touches were among the fewest recorded out of his teammates.

Callum Wilson (6.2)

Wilson was given a 6.2 overall rating by SofaScore and might have felt that he should have had a penalty in the second half after a nudge from Nuno Tavares.

However, the striker's opportunities were rare in truth, as he also lost nine duels and failed to record a single shot on goal or key pass in the entire match.

He also managed just 13 touches of the ball, the lowest out of any Magpies player to have started the clash, and completed a paltry four passes despite playing the full 90 minutes.

Matt Ritchie (5.8)

Ritchie was given the worst Newcastle rating by SofaScore, a measly 5.8.

The left wing-back endured a torrid time at the Emirates Stadium, finding himself booked at the end of the first half, while he lost out on all five of his duels and failed to make a clearance, tackle or block.

Offensively, he managed no shots, dribbles, or key passes, having just 19 touches of the ball on a day to forget.

In other news, NUFC are setting their sights on a move for this teenage starlet