Efficient and full of confidence, the Magpies took a serious option in the League Cup final by winning on the Gunners’ pitch.
The Magpies’ perfect shot. This Wednesday in the semi-final first leg of the English League Cup, Newcastle brought down Arsenal (0-2) on their home pitch at the Emirates Stadium thanks to two signings by Alexander Isak (37th) and Anthony Gordon (51st). Irresistible since mid-December, Eddie Howe’s men have scored a sixth consecutive victory in all competitions and have a serious option for the final before the return duel scheduled for February 5 at St James’ Park.
For Mikel Arteta’s Gunners, on the other hand, this home setback is a setback after 13 games without defeat. Orphaned by their striker Bukayo Saka, absent for many weeks, the Londoners nevertheless controlled the debates at the start of the game, offering themselves clear opportunities through Saliba (9th) then Martinelli who hit the post (30th). But efficiency was on Newcastle’s side, like the inevitable Isak, an opportunistic scorer at the edge of the area (37th). The Swede’s tenth goal in the last eight meetings!
Arsenal sans solution
In the second half, again, the Magpies maximized their chances by quickly breaking through Gordon, on the lookout following a strike from Isak deflected by Arsenal goalkeeper Raya (51st). The Gunners suffered the blow even if Jesus dared to head (63rd) and it was not their twenty or so attempts, most of them imprecise or off target, which were going to change the situation.
First round in the pocket of a confident Newcastle, who are taking a big step towards Wembley and in the process offering themselves their first victory at the Emirates Stadium since 2010. This Thursday (9 p.m.), time for the second semi-final go between Tottenham and Liverpool at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Morocco
