ARSENAL 0-2 NEWCASTLE: Goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon gave Eddie Howe’s side a big advantage to take back to St James’ Park for the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg
THE Toon Army were already singing about Wembley.
And no wonder. Newcastle have got one foot in the Carabao Cup final on March 16 after a terrific and hugely impressive display at the Emirates. Eddie Howe’s men looked sharp, slick and dangerous while Arsenal were horribly flat as their season is now in serious danger of fading away into disappointment.
In truth, it was all about the difference a top striker makes because Alexander Isak took his chance while Arsenal’s forward line wasted every opening. Incredibly, it is now 50 goals for Isak in all competitions since he joined Newcastle for £63m in August 2022 and he is the reason why they are dreaming of their first major trophy in 56 years.
Isak even played a part in Newcastle’s second goal as it was his cross shot which led to Anthony Gordon firing in the rebound to give them a huge advantage. Arsenal need a minor miracle now to turn this two-legged semi final in next month’s return but they look ragged, tired and as if they are running on empty.
But even more worryingly, they have hit the wall just at the wrong time. They face Manchester United in the FA Cup third round on Sunday and are already six points behind Liverpool in the title race, having played a game more. Arsenal are still in the Champions League but they look short of ideas, attacking threat and quality while Bukayo Saka is out injured for the next two months.
The squad looks wafer thin and they lack a proven goalscorer. As good as Kai Havertz was last season, the Arsenal striker horribly mistimed a second half header and a chance to haul his team back into the tie. That summed up Arsenal’s shortcomings. They were wasteful in attack, sloppy in defence and lacking ideas in midfield. They counted up 23 shots but only three were on target while Newcastle were far more ruthless and they were defiant in midfield.
It also leaves Arteta in serious danger of another season without a trophy. Arteta only has won FA Cup in his five years in charge and you can always tell when managers get desperate when they start including the Community Shield. In contrast, Newcastle are gaining momentum at the right time and Howe outwitted Arsenal with a brilliant tactical masterplan. They did a proper job on Arsenal.
In fairness, Arsenal started well and had the early chances in a crackling and brilliant atmosphere at the Emirates with the away end completely filled with away fans. Jurrien Timber headed over with the goal at his mercy while Gabriel Martinelli scampered clear only to then beat Newcastle keeper Martin Dubravka but his shot hit the post.
Arsenal were then made to pay for their missed chances. Dubravka’s long clearance was flicked on by Sven Botman, Jacob Murphy nipped in and his telepathic understanding with Isak meant the Newcastle striker was there to smash in from close range after 37 minutes. Incredibly, Murphy and Isak have now combined for seven goals this term which is the most of any Premier League duo this season.
Six minutes after the restart, Isak’s cross shot was palmed away by Arsenal keeper David Raya and Gordon was first to react while Timber was caught ball watching. It was a simple tap-in for Gordon. Arsenal laid siege as they went in search of an equaliser. Leandro Trossard’s cross found Havertz but his poor effort went wide.
Newcastle then stood firm as they stopped, blocked and headed everything clear to secure a healthy and comfortable two-goal lead to take to the return leg next month.
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