Newcastle United have booked their spot at Wembley after beating Arsenal in their Carabao Cup semi-final.
The Magpies took a 2-0 advantage into Wednesday evening’s clash after a brilliant performance at The Emirates in the first leg and they were able to replicate that result on Tyneside.
In what was a fiery atmosphere at St James’ Park, Newcastle started quickly and nearly took an early lead through Alexander Isak before his goal was chalked off as offside.
Jacob Murphy eventually opened the scoring in the 19th minute after following up Isak’s shot which fired back off the woodwork. Anthony Gordon then doubled Newcastle’s lead after pouncing on an Arsenal mistake.
Newcastle defended their lead brilliantly and secured a 4-0 win on aggregate to book their spot in next month’s Carabao Cup final!
Eddie Howe’s tactical masterclass
Howe was expected to make changes against Arsenal because Joelinton was ruled out with a knee injury.
However, he raised eyebrows when his team selection was announced and Newcastle lined up in a back five.
It was a huge tactical gamble, but playing both Dan Burn and Lewis Hall on the left flank turned out to be a stroke of genius from the Newcastle boss.
Burn had a big impact in both boxes and helped to manage Arsenal’s set-piece threat, while Hall was relentless on the left and nullified Arsenal’s pacey attackers. Howe made an extremely bold decision to change Newcastle’s shape and he deserves to be showered with praise.
St James’ Park respond to Bruno Guimaraes
After back-to-back losses at St James’ Park, there were a few extra nerves among the Newcastle fanbase.
Ahead of the match, Bruno Guimaraes urged Newcastle fans to create a fierce atmosphere and St James’ Park certainly delivered.
In his pre-match press conference, Howe sent Newcastle fans a message and suggested they could play a big part in the result. They certainly did just that.
It was easily the best atmosphere of the season so far, and was reminiscent of that night against PSG.
Heartwarming tribute involving Cheick Tiote’s son
Within the brilliant atmosphere at St James’ Park was a heartwarming touch from the club towards Cheick Tiote.
Exactly 14 years after Tiote scored an iconic equaliser for Newcastle in a 4-4 draw against Arsenal, his son walked onto the pitch as a club mascot.
Tiote sadly passed away in 2017 just months after his time as a Newcastle player came to an end. He remains an adored figure around Tyneside and including his son as a mascot was a heartwarming touch by the club.
Alexander Isak loves playing Arsenal
This was the third time Isak has faced Arsenal this season and he scored in the previous two meetings.
He may not have scored this time around, but once again the Swedish star was incredible up against the Gunners with the defensive duo of William Saliba and Gabriel struggling to contain him.
He had an early goal disallowed and caused Arsenal problems all night, including for the goal when his curling strike rebounded off the woodwork into Murphy’s path.
Arsenal are desperate to sign Isak, but there is absolutely no chance Newcastle are letting him go anytime soon. Especially with silverware up for grabs.
Newcastle are going to Wembley!
Two years after the disappointment of the Carabao Cup final against Manchester United, Newcastle have earned a chance at redemption.
Newcastle have certainly not had an easy run to the final with matches against Brentford and Chelsea before facing Arsenal.
But Howe’s side handled the big ocassions and proved they are more than capable of competing for silverware.
Newcastle’s last trophy was lifted in 1954/55. This side have the chance to end that drought next month.
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