Newcastle United takes first step towards Carabao Cup Final

Newcastle United continues to dream of their first major trophy since the 1955 FA Cup after securing a commanding 2-0 win against Arsenal in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semifinals. Eddie Howe's side delivered a clinical performance at the Emirates Stadium, setting themselves up for a promising return leg at St. James’ Park next month.

Isak and Gordon shine for Newcastle

Riding high on a six-game winning streak in the Premier League, Newcastle entered the match brimming with confidence. Swedish striker Alexander Isak once again proved to be the difference-maker, scoring for the eighth consecutive game. His 37th-minute strike, following excellent build-up play, gave Newcastle the lead. Shortly after halftime, Isak’s fierce shot forced a save from Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, but Anthony Gordon was on hand to capitalize on the rebound, doubling Newcastle's advantage.

While the scoreline may seem harsh on Arsenal, the statistics reveal a story of inefficiency. Despite registering 23 attempts compared to Newcastle's 7, Arsenal managed only three shots on target, while Newcastle tested Raya four times and made them count.

Strong defensive line

The defensive line was pivotal for Newcastle, delivering a stellar defensive performance just days after beating Tottenham Hotspur. The defenders showcased their resilience and timing by blocking dangerous efforts from Kai Havertz in the first half. This marked Arsenal’s first defeat since November 2, when they lost 1-0 to Newcastle in the Premier League. Remarkably, the Gunners' last home defeat was in April 2024, a 2-0 loss to Aston Villa.

Newcastle's Long Wait for Silverware

Newcastle United boasts a storied history, with four league titles and six FA Cups to their name. However, those triumphs are distant memories, with their last major trophy—the FA Cup—won in 1955. Now, with a disciplined performance in London and the momentum of their recent form, the Magpies are closer than ever to ending their 70-year trophy drought.

What's Next in the Semifinals

The second leg of this semifinal will be played at St. James’ Park in early February, where Newcastle will look to defend their advantage in front of their passionate home crowd. Meanwhile, the other semifinal between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool kicks off tonight. Liverpool, who thrashed Spurs 6-3 in their last Premier League meeting, will aim to take a significant step towards another domestic final.

Newcastle's disciplined performance and Arsenal's inefficiency set the stage for a high-stakes return leg, with a place in the Carabao Cup final within reach for the Magpies. Fans can only wait to see if this historic season for Newcastle ends with long-awaited silverware.