Newcastle Stuns Arsenal In Carabao Cup Semis
Swedish forward Alexander Isak scored his 50th goal for Newcastle United as Eddie Howe’s side took a huge step towards the Carabao Cup final after a 2-0 victory at Arsenal on Tuesday.
Isak struck shortly before halftime in the first leg of the semi-final at the Emirates Stadium and then had a big role in Newcastle’s second scored by Anthony Gordon after the break.
Arsenal were left to rue their failure to convert several good chances with Gabriel Martinelli denied by the woodwork in the first half and Kai Havertz missing a golden opportunity.
In-form Newcastle, who have not won a major trophy since 1955, will now be clear favourites to complete the job in the second leg on Tyneside next month.
Arsenal had been unbeaten in their previous 13 games in all competitions, but were not at their best against a clinical Newcastle side.
“In every other aspect we were the better team but it’s about scoring goals,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said.
“Credit to them, they defended their box very well. We had the chances but at this stage, a semi-final, you have to be clinical.”
Arsenal, who had 23 shots to Newcastle’s seven, piled on the pressure late on to try to reduce the deficit but Newcastle manned the barricades to take a healthy lead to St James’ Park.
“First half he was electric, I thought he played really well. He scored but I just thought his general game was in a really good place,” Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said.
Tottenham Hotspur host holders Liverpool in the first leg of the other semi-final on Wednesday.
Reuters/Chidi Nwoke.
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