Newcastle United 2-0 Arsenal
(Newcastle advance 4-0 on aggregate)
Newcastle United booked their place in the Carabao Cup final with a dominant 2-0 win over Arsenal in the second leg, completing a 4-0 aggregate victory.
Arsenal had an uphill battle after losing the first leg 2-0, but their performance at St. James’ Park was far from a comeback attempt. Instead, they crumbled under pressure, with Newcastle’s Swedish striker Alexander Isak causing havoc against their fragile defense.
Isak thought he had given Newcastle an early lead, only for his goal to be disallowed. Arsenal then had a golden opportunity when Martin Ødegaard found himself in a great position, but his powerful strike rattled the post. Moments later, Newcastle made them pay. Isak outmuscled William Saliba, hit the upright, and Jacob Murphy reacted quickest to slot the rebound into an empty net.
Arsenal tried to respond but struggled to take control, looking more likely to concede than score. Their misery deepened when Declan Rice lost possession under pressure from a poor David Raya pass, allowing Anthony Gordon to roll the ball into the net with ease.
Newcastle comfortably saw out the match as Arsenal huffed and puffed without any real threat. By the final whistle, the Magpies’ place in the final was secured, while the Gunners were left to reflect on a dismal performance.
Player Breakdown
- David Raya: Another costly mistake, gifting Newcastle their second goal with a poor pass.
- Jurrien Timber: More composed than his defensive partners, saw plenty of the ball.
- William Saliba: Beaten in the air for the first goal and caught out again in the second half.
- Gabriel: Reacted too slowly to the rebound for Newcastle’s opener and looked vulnerable.
- Myles Lewis-Skelly: Showed some fight with tackles and tried to support attacks.
- Martin Ødegaard: Missed a huge chance before Newcastle’s first goal and struggled throughout.
- Thomas Partey: Made some decent passes but didn’t provide enough defensive cover.
- Declan Rice: Pressed well but was caught out by Raya’s mistake, leading to Newcastle’s second goal.
- Gabriel Martinelli: Struggled to link up with teammates before going off injured early.
- Kai Havertz: Anonymous up front, unable to hold the ball or create any chances.
- Leandro Trossard: Offered little going forward and was subbed off after an ineffective display.
Newcastle march on to the final, while Arsenal are left licking their wounds after another disappointing cup exit.
