Alexander Isak scored his fiftieth purpose for Newcastle United as Eddie Howe’s aspect took an enormous step in direction of the League Cup last with a 2-0 victory at Arsenal on Tuesday (January 7, 2025).
Isak struck shortly earlier than halftime within the first leg of the semi-final at a cold Emirates Stadium after which had a giant function in Newcastle’s second scored by Anthony Gordon after the break.
Arsenal have been left to rue their failure to transform a number of good possibilities with Gabriel Martinelli denied by the woodwork within the first half and Kai Havertz lacking a golden alternative.
In-form Newcastle, who haven’t received a significant trophy since 1955, will now be clear favourites to finish the job within the second leg on Tyneside subsequent month.
Tottenham Hotspur host holders Liverpool within the first leg of the opposite semi-final on Wednesday.
Arsenal had been unbeaten of their earlier 13 video games in all competitions however weren’t at their greatest in opposition to a scientific Newcastle aspect who’ve taken a liking to north London.
Three days in the past they received 2-1 at Tottenham to maneuver nearer to the Premier League’s prime 4 they usually returned to ship the travelling Toon Military again up north in excessive spirits.
Isak has been just about unstoppable of late and he has now scored 10 targets in his final 9 appearances for the membership.
The Swede lofted one early half-chance over the crossbar however confirmed how deadly he’s after 37 minutes when a protracted ball into the realm fell into his path and he fired the ball excessive previous David Raya into the roof of the web.
It introduced up the 25-year-old’s half century in simply 89 matches for the membership, 5 video games fewer than it took Newcastle nice Alan Shearer.
“First half he was electrical, I assumed he performed very well. He scored however I simply thought his common sport was in a extremely good place,” Newcastle supervisor Eddie Howe mentioned.
Arsenal had threatened with Martinelli curling a shot in opposition to the put up from the sting of the realm and Newcastle have been compelled into some determined defending in a single goalmouth scramble.
Jurrien Timber additionally headed over the crossbar from shut vary for the hosts and Havertz was much more culpable after the break when he one way or the other failed to attach with a header with the purpose gaping, the ball bouncing off his shoulder.
By that point, Newcastle have been 2-0 forward due to a tap-in by Gordon within the fiftieth minute. Jacob Murphy threaded an incredible move to Isak within the penalty space and his first-time shot was solely parried by Raya for Gordon to brush within the rebound.
Arsenal, who had 23 pictures to Newcastle’s seven, piled on the stress late on to attempt to scale back the deficit however Newcastle manned the barricades to take a wholesome result in St James’ Park.
“In each different side we have been the higher staff nevertheless it’s about scoring targets,” Arsenal supervisor Mikel Arteta mentioned. “Credit score to them, they defended their field very nicely. We had the possibilities however at this stage, a semi-final, you need to be scientific.”
Revealed – January 08, 2025 12:32 pm IST
