Summary:
- Newcastle secured a 2-0 victory over Arsenal in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.
- The win puts them in a strong position for the return leg in February.
- Alexander Isak’s goal and key involvement in the second were instrumental in Newcastle’s win; Anthony Gordon delivered the second goal.
Newcastle United took a significant step towards the Carabao Cup final with a 2-0 victory over Arsenal in a high-energy first leg at the Emirates Stadium, led by the unstoppable Alexander Isak.
The Swedish forward delivered a remarkable performance that left Arsenal with a daunting challenge in the return leg.
23 Attempts on Goal, 3 on Target
Arsenal dominated possession and spent much of the match camped in Newcastle’s half, but their finishing let them down.
Despite 23 attempts on goal, only three were on target.
The Gunners squandered several clear opportunities, including a close-range header from Kai Havertz and a one-on-one chance for Gabriel Martinelli, who struck the post in the first half.
A series of free kicks and corners offered additional chances; however, Arsenal failed to capitalize, leaving their fans frustrated.
Newcastle, in contrast, proved to be clinical when it mattered most.
Isak’s 10th Goal in 9 Games
Alexander Isak opened the scoring in the first half, taking full advantage of a defensive lapse from a long ball to net his 10th goal in nine games.
Shortly after the break, he played a key role in Newcastle’s second, combining with Jacob Murphy before unleashing a shot that Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya parried into the path of Anthony Gordon.
The latter made no mistake from close range.
Despite missing key players Bruno Guimarães and Fabian Schär through suspension, Newcastle’s defense held firm under intense Arsenal pressure.
Eddie Howe’s side showed remarkable grit, managing to withstand wave after wave of Arsenal attacks to secure their first win at the Emirates since 2010.
The defeat leaves the club that is already trailing in the Premier League title race with a steep uphill climb in the second leg at St. James’ Park.
Arteta: “We Were the Better Team”
Manager Mikel Arteta acknowledged his team’s shortcomings, particularly their inability to finish chances.
The biggest difference was being clinical in the game, In every other aspect, we were the better team… but in a semi-final, you have to be clinical.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe praised his side’s resilience, noting the importance of mentality in holding off Arsenal.
This is a tough ground, and we’ve suffered here previously, Today is another big step forward… The tie is very much alive. We’ve got a tough home leg to come, but we know our supporters will be with us.
With Newcastle’s seven-game winning streak intact, their 55-year wait for a major trophy seems to be drawing near to a possible end.
Arsenal, however, will try to turn the tide in the return leg, with stakes that couldn’t be higher.