Newcastle edged closer to securing their first major domestic trophy since 1955 with a solid 2-0 win over Arsenal in the first leg of the English League Cup semifinals held on Tuesday.
The match took place at the Emirates Stadium, with Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon scoring the crucial goals for Newcastle, placing them in a promising position to reach the final at Wembley Stadium in March. The return fixture is set to take place at St James’ Park on February 5.
“It’s a fantastic result, but it’s just the first leg. If we don’t advance, tonight’s achievement won’t mean anything, but we have to acknowledge that this is a significant victory,” Isak stated.
This win marked Newcastle’s first victory at Arsenal’s home ground since 2010, while it handed the Gunners their first home defeat since April.
Isak netted the opening goal in the 37th minute, maintaining his impressive form with his 14th goal in the past 15 games. He also played a key role in the second goal scored by Gordon in the 51st minute. Isak’s shot was saved by Arsenal’s goalkeeper David Raya, but Gordon seized the opportunity by converting the rebound.
Despite Newcastle’s acquisition by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund in 2021, they have not claimed a major domestic trophy since winning the FA Cup nearly seven decades ago. Nevertheless, they are now on the brink of clinching their second League Cup final appearance in three years after a loss to Manchester United in 2023.
Newcastle remains determined to return to the Champions League after missing out last season and currently sits in fifth place in the Premier League, just one point shy of the qualifying spots for Europe’s top-tier clubs.
This victory against Arsenal is Newcastle’s seventh consecutive win across all competitions under manager Eddie Howe, largely fueled by Isak’s dazzling goal-scoring exploits.
Isak’s first goal came from close range, expertly firing it in off the crossbar following a long free-kick played by Jacob Murphy. This was his seventh goal in his last five matches.
Though in-stadium referee reviews were trialed for the game, an apparent foul leading up to Isak’s goal did not prompt referee Craig Pawson to check the sideline monitor.
Isak’s quick thinking was pivotal for Newcastle’s second goal; his attempt from inside the box was denied by Raya, but Gordon was swift to react, finding the net from the far post.
Arsenal had been in solid form, going unbeaten in 13 matches across all competitions and currently holding the second position in the Premier League. They had opportunities to take the lead, including Gabriel Martinelli hitting the post in the 29th minute.
Kai Havertz also squandered a prime chance to reduce the deficit when his header from point-blank range went wide after hitting off his shoulder.
“We were a bit fortunate at times, but I’m extremely pleased with the outcome,” Howe remarked.
In the other semifinal, Tottenham is set to face Liverpool, with the first leg taking place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Wednesday.
