Newcastle vs Arsenal EFL Cup Report

Scorers: Murphy 19’, Gordon 52’

Newcastle United booked their place in the EFL Cup final with a dominant 2-0 victory over Arsenal at St James’ Park, sealing a 4-0 aggregate win to move within one game of lifting their first major domestic trophy since 1955.

Goals from Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon condemned the Gunners to their first away defeat in nine matches, extending their long wait for an EFL Cup triumph.

Isak’s Early Disallowed Goal Sets the Tone

After securing a commanding 2-0 first-leg win at the Emirates, Newcastle came into the second leg in a strong position and wasted no time in putting Arsenal under pressure.

Just four minutes into the match, Eddie Howe’s men thought they had taken an early lead when Alexander Isak rifled an emphatic finish into the roof of the net following a swift counter-attack.

However, after a VAR check, the goal was ruled out for offside, much to the frustration of the St James’ Park faithful.

Arsenal responded well, coming close to reducing the aggregate deficit when Martin Ødegaard’s spinning strike struck the post. That miss proved costly, as Newcastle capitalised moments later.

Murphy Puts Newcastle in Control

Newcastle’s opener arrived in the 35th minute through Jacob Murphy, punishing Arsenal’s defensive frailties. Isak, unfazed by his earlier disallowed goal, latched onto a goal-kick from Martin Dúbravka and exchanged passes with Anthony Gordon before racing through on goal.

His shot struck the post, but Murphy was on hand to cushion the rebound into the net, leaving Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya helpless.

The Gunners, now in desperate need of a response, nearly pulled one back before half-time, but Leandro Trossard’s effort was denied by a sharp reflex save from Dúbravka.

Gordon Capitalises on Raya’s Error to Seal the Tie

Trailing 3-0 on aggregate, Arsenal needed a miraculous second-half turnaround, but their hopes were dashed in the 58th minute. The visitors’ defensive vulnerabilities were once again exposed when a sloppy pass from Raya was intercepted by Fabian Schär. The Swiss defender immediately played in Gordon, who calmly turned and slotted home Newcastle’s second of the night.

That goal effectively ended Arsenal’s resistance, as Newcastle managed the remainder of the game with composure, preventing Mikel Arteta’s men from mounting any meaningful fightback.

Newcastle One Win Away from Ending Trophy Drought

With a 4-0 aggregate victory, Newcastle secured their place in the EFL Cup final for the second time in three seasons. They will learn their opponents when Liverpool host Tottenham Hotspur in the other semi-final, with Spurs holding a 1-0 advantage from the first leg.

For Arsenal, this defeat marks another setback in their pursuit of silverware, as their wait for an EFL Cup final appearance extends beyond the 2017/18 season. Having last lifted the trophy in the 1992/93 campaign, their struggles in this competition continue.

Final Thoughts

Newcastle’s victory was a statement of intent, showcasing their defensive solidity and clinical finishing. Isak, Gordon, and Murphy played key roles in a dominant display, while Dúbravka’s crucial saves ensured Arsenal never found a foothold.

For Arteta’s side, this loss raises concerns about their ability to compete across multiple competitions. Despite their recent 5-1 demolition of Manchester City, their sluggish performance at St James’ Park highlighted defensive vulnerabilities and a lack of cutting edge.

With a chance to claim their first League Cup title, Newcastle now turn their attention to the final, where they will look to end their 69-year wait for domestic silverware. Meanwhile, Arsenal must quickly regroup as they shift focus back to their Premier League and European ambitions.

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