Newcastle moved a step closer to claiming a first major domestic trophy since 1955 with a 2-0 victory over Arsenal in the first leg of the English League Cup semi-finals.
Goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday (Wednesday AEDT) put Newcastle within reach of the final at Wembley Stadium in March. The second leg is at St James’ Park on February 5.
It was Newcastle’s first win at the Emirates since 2010 and Arsenal’s first home defeat since April.
Isak struck in the 37th minute to continue his outstanding scoring run with his 14th goal in 15 games. The Sweden international was also involved in Newcastle’s second in the 51st minute, when his shot was saved by Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya and the rebound was converted by Gordon.
“Very good. He is the best in Europe, probably right now, with the form he’s in. I think everyone is in agreement with that. He’s on fire. Even for my goal. I’m just gambling back post,” said Gordon of Isak.
“The best quality he’s got is that he’s so humble.
“He is not scared to pass the ball. He’s very unselfish, and his best ability is his raw ability on the ball.”
“I am pleased because this is a tough ground and we have suffered here previously. We are playing with a real confidence and belief and that helps us defend in those dying moments,” said Newcastle coach Eddie Howe.
“Alex scored a great goal and Anthony scored an important second for us.
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“In evolution you are always changing and trying to get the best out of the group.
“We have more capabilities with the ball, with this current team there is so much more to come and we are missing key players today and there’s fatigue.
“We know in the second leg we have our supporters with us, but we still need to do everything right.”
Despite being bought by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund in 2021, Newcastle haven’t won a major domestic trophy since lifting the FA Cup almost 70 years ago. But they are close to a second League Cup final in three years after losing to Manchester United in 2023.
Newcastle are also pushing for a return to the Champions League after missing out last season. They are fifth in the Premier League standings and one point outside the automatic qualifying places for European club soccer’s elite tournament.
Victory against Arsenal was a seventh straight win in all competitions for Eddie Howe’s team, inspired by Isak’s brilliant goal-scoring form.
He fired in off the underside of the crossbar from close range after a long free kick was played into his path by Jacob Murphy.
It was Isak’s seventh goal in his past five games.
Despite in-stadium referee announcements being trialled for the match, an apparent push in the build-up to his goal did not result in referee Craig Pawson reviewing the sideline monitor.
It was Isak’s sharpness that led to Newcastle’s second. His effort from inside the box six minutes into the second half was parried by Raya, but Gordon was the quickest to react at the far post to fire home.
Arsenal were unbeaten in 13 games in all competitions and are second in the Premier League standings.
They had the chance to take the lead when Gabriel Martinelli burst through in the 29th minute and fired against the post.
Kai Havertz wasted a golden opportunity to pull a goal back when his attempted header from directly in front of goal came off his shoulder and went wide.
“That was the biggest difference [being clinical] in the game. In every other aspect, we were the better team,” said Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta.
“They scored two goals and credit to them as they managed to win the game like this.
“When we missed the chances and conceded the goal it is always tough, but the team reacted.
“We generated a lot of situations, but it is true, they defended the box very well.
“We can do better with our decisions.
“We had a one-v-one chance with the keeper and in the semi-final you have to be clinical.
“We have to be disappointed as it’s another result that we wanted, but that’s the reality. I have full belief. I have seen my team playing against them – I believe we can do it.”
Tottenham play Liverpool in the other semi-final, with the first leg at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Wednesday (Thursday AEDT).
The Roarhttps://www.theroar.com.au/2025/01/08/everyone-is-in-agreement-isak-hailed-as-best-striker-in-europe-after-destroying-arsenal-in-league-cup-semi/‘Everyone is in agreement’: Isak hailed as best striker in Europe after destroying Arsenal in League Cup semi
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