The irony will surely not be lost on Mikel Arteta. On a night when his side were hoping to put one foot in the Carabao Cup final, it was Alexander Isak– a striker that the Arsenal manager has long coveted – who did the damage as Newcastle secured a famous victory.
It was no less than Eddie Howe’s side deserved as they bid to reach the final once again after the heartache of losing to Manchester United at Wembley in 2023. Goals either side of half-time from Isak – his 10th in his last nine appearances – and Anthony Gordon ensured they will go into next month’s second leg at St James’ Park with a healthy advantage. While Arsenal had 23 chances in total, only three were on target and there was no need for the referee John Brooks to explain any video assistant referee decisions to the crowd in an initiative being trialled in the semi-finals as the hosts struggled to respond after falling behind. They left the pitch to a smattering of boos from those supporters who remained at the end and Arsenal’s hopes of winning a second major trophy since Arteta took charge now look distant. But Newcastle’s fans – who serenaded Howe and his players after the final whistle – can almost start to plan another trip to London in March.
Written by Ed Aarons at the Emirates Stadium
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/jan/07/arsenal-newcastle-carabao-cup-semi-final-first-leg-match-report under the title “Newcastle on verge of Carabao Cup final after famous win at Arsenal”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.