New Delhi: Newcastle United took a significant step towards the Carabao Cup final with a commanding 2-0 victory over Arsenal in the first leg of their semi-final at the Emirates Stadium. The visitors capitalized on their chances and showcased defensive resilience to earn a crucial advantage heading into the second leg at St James’ Park. The match began at a frenetic pace, with both teams creating early opportunities.
Joelinton squandered a clear chance for Newcastle, while Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber headed over from close range. The Gunners nearly broke the deadlock in the 28th minute when Gabriel Martinelli raced past Sven Botman and unleashed a powerful shot that struck the post, a moment that could have changed the complexion of the tie. However, it was the visitors that drew first blood in the 37th minute.
Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka launched a free-kick into the Arsenal half, where Botman flicked it on to Jacob Murphy. A fortunate touch from Murphy directed the ball into Alexander Isak’s path, and the Swedish striker clinically finished via the crossbar for his 14th goal in 15 games. Arsenal pushed for an equalizer before halftime, but Dubravka’s crucial save from Gabriel ensured the visitors held their lead at the break.
Anthony Gordon hit the Thierry Henry at the Emirates 💀 pic.twitter.com/i3k93jOy1k
— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 7, 2025
Just five minutes into the second half, Newcastle doubled their advantage. Isak once again played a key role, forcing a save from David Raya, but Anthony Gordon reacted quickest to slot home the rebound and give Eddie Howe’s side a commanding position in the tie. Gabriel Jesus and Martinelli missed good opportunities, while Kai Havertz misjudged a header, seeing the ball bounce off his shoulder and wide. Newcastle held firm, with Botman and Dan Burn making vital blocks to deny the hosts, while Dubravka remained alert to Arsenal’s persistent attacks.
Newcastle’s defensive organization ultimately frustrated Arsenal, who suffered their first home defeat of the season. Mikel Arteta’s side, second in the Premier League, now face an uphill battle to overturn the deficit in the return leg on February 5. As the tie heads to St James’ Park, Newcastle fans will dream of ending their over 50 year wait for a trophy, while Arsenal will need a near-perfect performance to keep their hopes of a first silverware in five years alive.
Newcastle aiming for a first major trophy in 56 years
Newcastle are 90 minutes away from a cup final at Wembley ⏳ pic.twitter.com/DOhfbdSCs4
— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 7, 2025
With one foot in the final, the Magpies must be careful not to let this chance slip when they host the Gunners at their home in almost a month’s time. They already have a commanding lead over Mikel Arteta’s side and only need to play it safe to book their seat at Wembley. It is a huge deal for Eddie Howe’s side as they’re looking to end one of the longest trophy draughts in English football, having never won a major trophy since 1969.
Newcastle last lifted a major piece of silverware back in the 1968/69 season when they won the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup against Újpest FC. If we look at the last time Newcastle won a major English trophy, we’d have to go further back to the 1954/55 season when they won the FA Cup. The Toons reached the finals of the EFL cup two years back, in 2023, but lost the final against Erik Ten Hag’s Manchester United and they will be hoping to get rid of the ghosts of the past and win this trophy, one they haven’t yet won in their history.
Goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon on either side of half time put Newcastle in a comfortable position ahead of their second leg semi-final clash at home as they Arsenal 2-0 at the Emirates. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today