Newcastle vs Arsenal LIVE: Carabao Cup semi-final result and reaction as Gordon and Murphy send hosts through
Newcastle 2-0 Arsenal (4-0 agg): Eddie Howe’s men secure place at Wembley
Newcastle United reached the Carabao Cup final for the second time in three years with a superb 4-0 aggregate win over Arsenal in the semi-finals.
Leading 2-0 after the first leg in London, Eddie Howe’s team banished any thoughts of an upset when Alexander Isak banged the ball into the back of the net with only five minutes on the clock. His goal was eventually ruled out for offside but the tone was set.
The crucial moments of the game came in the first half. At 0-0, Martin Odegaard had the chance to send Arsenal ahead but struck the post. Newcastle then swept up the pitch and Isak’s effort found the woodwork before Jacob Murphy turned the ball home. There was less than a minute between Odegaard’s chance and Murphy’s goal.
From there Newcastle were in control. They had less possession but more shots on target. Arsenal lost their heads and a high press brought a second goal. Fabian Schar nicking the ball off Declan Rice to set up Anthony Gordon.
Newcastle won 2-0 on the night and secured their trip to Wembley. Relive the action from St. James’ Park with our live blog below:
Wembley beckons for irrepressible Newcastle after damaging night for Arsenal
Newcastle United stand on the brink of history, 90 minutes away from ending their 70-year wait. Without a domestic trophy since 1955, 2025 may be their year. Wembley beckons and perhaps the club lamenting a lack of major silverware will instead be Arsenal. Unless they win either the Premier or the Champions League, Mikel Arteta’s side will bring up five years without a prize beyond the Community Shield.
It is not a drought by Newcastle’s standards but after the euphoria of Sunday’s demolition of Manchester City came a damaging night on Tyneside for Arsenal. They ended up overwhelmed by Newcastle’s relentless running, overcome by goals from two wingers, Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon, overpowered by a striker, in Alexander Isak, who they had coveted and who now serves as their tormentor. Arsenal’s winter transfer window ended without a signing, to their regret. Newcastle were as inactive but had further proof of Eddie Howe’s ability to galvanise them on a night when St James’ Park felt electrifying and United irrepressible. They played at a ferocious pace, with a hunger that showed them at their best.
Wembley beckons for irrepressible Newcastle after damaging night for Arsenal
Newcastle’s near misses: The chances that slipped by during 70 years of hurt
Newcastle moved a step closer to ending a 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy when they saw off Arsenal to reach a second Carabao Cup final in three seasons.
The Magpies completed a 4-0 aggregate victory over the Gunners at St James’ Park on Wednesday and will now face either Liverpool or Tottenham at Wembley on Sunday, March 16.
Here is a look at Newcastle’s near misses on home soil since winning the FA Cup in 1955.
Newcastle’s near misses: The chances that slipped by during 70 years of hurt
Eddie Howe determined to end Newcastle’s trophy drought in Carabao Cup final
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is determined to end the club’s 70-year wait for a trophy after his team reached the Carabao Cup final with a thumping semi-final victory over Arsenal.
A dominant 2-0 win secured the Magpies a 4-0 aggregate victory over the Gunners to move within touching distance of what would be a first piece of major silverware since their FA Cup win in 1955.
Howe is hoping to end their trophy drought in next month’s Wembley final.
He said: “It’s a long time. We’d love to end it and we’ll work as hard as we can and prepare right to try to do that.”
Eddie Howe determined to end Newcastle’s trophy drought in Carabao Cup final
More from Eddie Howe:
"We wanted to get pressure on them [William Saliba and Gabriel] and in order to do that we had to get bodies in the right areas and press high - that is how we decided to do it.
"You know you are playing against elite players and one mistake can make things difficult. We had to be ourselves, be front foot. If not then it can quickly be 1-0 and 2-0 and then you are on the back foot.
"We had to work on set plays as their set play threat is so high. In the reverse fixture there were some moments where we got a bit lucky. Again our team selection was based on having height, especially without Joelinton, we needed Dan Burn, Fabian Schar and Sven Botman. We defended the set plays really well today.
"It is huge [to get back to Wembley]. The first appearance there was a bit unexpected, but the club we want to be we have to be there regularly, so it's not a surprise. We are there on merit, our run has not been easy this year, we've faced four Premier League teams, so we have done the hard yards.
"Hopefully we can learn from the last experience and improve our performance."
Howe on Newcastle's gameplan:
"The work [on the game plan] started on Monday, which is quick. The Champions League last year helped us to work on those two-day turnarounds. We do tweak things depending on the opposition. We felt we needed more height in the team, we wanted solidity at the back and we had to change in order to win the game.
"The players followed the instruction to the letter, they deserve the credit. Fabian [Schar] had big distances to cover in his job, tracking Declan Rice whether he dropped low or went wide or went central. At times he went right across the pitch. He is a good athlete and is very capable of doing it."
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe speaking to Sky Sports:
"It was a great night for us. It was a tough game but tactically we were good.
“The intention was to be aggressive and sometimes when you do that it doesn't always work. Today it did.
“I thought it helped to solidify our plan. We had to retreat at times but we were always in the game.”
Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes on Sky Sports:
"Unbelievable performance from everyone and we must thank the fans as well. Here we go, another final for the club and hopeful we can win this one.
"I felt anxious before the game, big game, Arsenal a top, top team but when we play like that we become an amazing team.
"Play like that and we can dream big. It would be amazing to get a trophy, it is my dream to do this.
"Isak is the best striker these days for me. For me, the manager is amazing. He deserves the credit."
FT Newcastle 2-0 Arsenal (4-0 agg)
'They're going to Wembley'
“Newcastle's PA announcer has just told their fans to book their train tickets and hotels.
“They're going to Wembley. Deservedly, too.
“Over 180 minutes, they have been terrific with Gordon and Isak contenders for man of the match and man of the tie.
“Now they have to wait and see if Liverpool or Tottenham await them.”
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