Arsenal 0-2 Newcastle: What Were The Main Talking Points As The Magpies Claim A Stunning First-Leg Advantage In North London?

Putting in another stellar display on Tuesday night, Newcastle claimed a crucial EFL Cup first-leg advantage as they secured a 2-0 victory away at Arsenal.

Enjoying what has become a real purple patch over the past month, Eddie Howe’s side took a shock lead in the 37th-minute as attacking talisman Alexander Isak produced a clinical finish from inside the box.

Now sat just 90 minuets away from booking a spot in this season’s EFL Cup final and another famous trip to Wembley, Newcastle doubled their advantage just six minuets after the restart as Anthony Gordon tapped home at the back stick.

While Brazilian international Gabriel Martinelli might have rattled the woodwork when they game was goalless, the Gunners failed to find any real fluidity and now have a real uphill battle on their hands.

Tottenham host Liverpool in the first-leg of the second semi-final on Wednesday (20:00 GMT), with the final at Wembley on 1March 16th.

On a night when Newcastle collected a heavyweight scalp in north London, we have taken a look at the main talking points.

Newcastle lay down another statement of intent

Although Newcastle might have shown some real signs of a struggle when returning from November’s international break, the Magpies have come roaring back in a remarkable fashion.

Mounting a stellar comeback away at Tottenham last weekend as they secured a 2-1 win in north London, Howe’s side certainly produced a repeat performance on Tuesday night.

Signing off 2024 with a deserved 2-0 win against Manchester United, the former bournemouth boss has seen his high-flying squad win each of their previous seven appearances across all competitions.

Gaining a real reputation for their clinical displays in the final third, Newcastle have also continued to collect some heavyweight scalps.

Skyrocketing their way back into the European chase and with the mood around St. James’ Park at a real high, Howe’s men are sat in the driving seat to punch a Wembley ticket.

Arsenal have a real challenge on their hands

While Arsenal might have opened the New Year in the midst of a three-match Premier League winning run, it is fair to say that Mikel Arteta’s squad have struggled to find much stability.

Left disappointed last weekend as they eventually had to settle for a 1-1 stalemate away at Brighton, Tuesday’s hosts have watched their Premier League title ambitions take a major dent.

Sat six points adrift of Liverpool, the Gunners failed to claim an immediate response here and suffered a first domestic defeat at the Emirates since April of last year.

With some sections of the Emirates support making their frustrations heard at the full-time whistle, Arsenal are also struggling to cope without the injured Bukayo Saka.

With their EFL Cup dreams now hanging in the balance, the Gunners will be next seen this weekend when they welcomed historic rivals Manchester United to north London.

Isak extends on his remarkable flurry

While Manchester City record-breaker Erling Haaland might have stolen plenty of the Premier League’s striking headlines over the past two years, Newcastle’s talisman has only continued to underlined his status as one of Europe’s most lethal marksmen.

Immediately finding his feet at St. James’ Park after arriving from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2022, Isak is enjoying what has become another sensational run of form.

Producing a clinical finish here and opening the scoring in north London, it is no surprise that the Swedish international has continuously been linked with a host of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Now finding the net in each of his previous five consecutive appearances across all competitions, Isak has also registered 14 goals in his 15 showdowns since the middle of October.

With the 25-year-old making it clear that he wants to play Champions League football, Newcastle will certainly see their resolve get severely tested during January’s transfer window.

Match Report

Arsenal: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly, Partey, Rice, Odegaard, Trossard, Havertz, Martinelli

Subs: Zinchenko, Jesus, Jorginho

Newcastle: Dubravka, Livramento, Botman, Burn, Hall, Willock, Tonali, Joelinton, Murphy, Gordon, Isak

Subs: Almiron, Barnes, Kelly

Goals: Isak (37’), Gordon (51’)

Yellow Cards: Arsenal: Zinchenko – Newcastle: Gordon, Joelinton, Livramento

Red Cards: N/A

Referee: John Brooks