By In a compelling Carabao Cup semi-final at St. James’ Park, Newcastle United secured their place in the final with a 2-0 victory over Arsenal, culminating in a 4-0 aggregate triumph. This result underscores Newcastle’s resurgence under manager Eddie Howe and highlights Arsenal’s recent struggles in knockout competitions.
The Magpies entered the second leg with a two-goal advantage and maintained their momentum throughout the match. Jacob Murphy opened the scoring, followed by a decisive goal from Anthony Gordon, effectively ending Arsenal’s cup aspirations for the season. This defeat comes on the heels of Arsenal’s impressive 5-1 win over Manchester City, marking a stark contrast in their recent performances.
Eddie Howe’s tactical acumen was evident as he employed an aggressive pressing strategy and adjusted his formation to include three center-backs, neutralizing Arsenal’s offensive threats. Howe commented, “The intention was to be aggressive… Today it did.”
Midfielder Bruno Guimarães lauded the team’s performance, stating, “Unbelievable performance from everyone… Play like that and we can dream big.”
Newcastle legend Alan Shearer also praised the team’s display, noting their superiority in every position and the intensity that Arsenal couldn’t match.
For Arsenal, this defeat is a significant setback, eliminating them from both domestic cup competitions. Despite their recent thrashing of Manchester City, they were unable to replicate that form against a resolute Newcastle side. Manager Mikel Arteta will need to reassess and refocus as the team shifts its attention back to league ambitions.
Newcastle United now eagerly awaits the outcome of the other semi-final between Liverpool and Tottenham to determine their opponent at Wembley. The final presents an opportunity for the Magpies to secure their first domestic trophy since 1955, marking a potential historic milestone for the club and its supporters.
