Eddie Howe’s Newcastle, one of the most in-form teams in Europe (seven consecutive victories in all competitions), hit the table and beat Arsenal 0-2 in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals. Isak and Gordon scored a victory that puts the tie in the spotlight for the ‘Magpies’.
Arsenal and Newcastle were two games away from the Wembley final. The going, today; the return, at the beginning of February. The duel began with Arsenal knowing that they will have to travel north to play at Newcastle’s home. They pushed and almost found the 1-0. Timber had the clearest shot with a header that went just wide in the first minutes.
Arsenal were a roller and trapped Eddie Howe’s men in their own area. A siege without a reward. Between Duvrabka and the defense they took out all the attacks from Arteta’s team. And Newcastle, of course, is sweet. An isolated play, a goal. Murphy extended his header and Isak (precisely linked to Arsenal in market rumors) invented the 0-1 score. 10 goals since the beginning of December for the Swede.
Arsenal tried to react but the goal had left them half knocked out. And more problems came at the beginning of the second half, with Gordon finishing off a rebound after a save by David Raya. 0-2 in London.
Arsenal did not stop trying to find the goal… but they did not have the night. 23 shots in total on Newcastle’s goal, but, for example, none on goal in the entire second half. Arteta’s men lacked concrete results, a lot. The rumors about the signing of a ‘9’ will explode again.
