Newcastle United have advanced to the Carabao Cup final after defeating Arsenal 2-0 at St. James’ Park, winning 4-0 on aggregate.
It was an incredible atmosphere at St. James’ Park and the Newcastle United players matched the noise by flying out of the traps.
Fans were given cause to get even louder just three minutes in when Alexander Isak put the side ahead.
Those celebrations were annoyingly curtailed as the goal was ruled out for off-side but not for long. Isak was once again crucial when he went through but when he hit the post, Jacob Murphy was on hand to divert home.
The goal couldn’t have come at a better time as Arsenal were beginning to get on top and Martin Odegaard hit the post when he should have scored seconds earlier.
Newcastle were galvanised, with Isak and Anthony Gordon giving the Arsenal defence nightmares. They deservedly doubled their lead after the break when Gordon capitalised on another mistake at the back.
After a sublime performance, Newcastle are through to the Carabao Cup final at Wembley Stadium and here’s how the players rated.
Martin Dubravka – 8
The goalkeeper continued to hold his place over the fit-again Nick Pope and proved why. He made smart saves, controlled his box, punched strong and kept calm under immense pressure when given the ball in an awkward position. Wasn’t actually tested that much but was dependable.
Kieran Trippier – 9
Some fans may have questioned the decision to bring Kieran Trippier in for a game of such magnitude but it was a master stroke from Howe.
The right-back fitted into the back-five perfectly and the big game experience he brought was invaluable.
With the extra centre-back providing cover, Trippier wasn’t as exposed for pace as he could have been as he nipped in with tackles and marshalled the defence, especially during set-pieces, with a cool head in such a nervy game.
He also brought some extra bite and canniness to combat a team that has been praised for its own antics this past week. Got the easiest of bookings ever for Kai Haverts just by winding him up.
Fabian Schar – 9
Cool, calm and collected. Fabian Schar was always on hand to clean up any loose balls. Somehow found himself on the edge of the Arsenal box to make a crunching tackle that put Gordon in on goal for the second.
Sven Botman – 8
It was also a risk to bring Sven Botman back into the side and disrupt a steady centre-back pairing but the Dutchman performed well and stood tall. He made big blocks, and towering headers while reading the game well.
Dan Burn – 9
Made some great sliding challenges that epitomised the tempo and urgency Newcastle played with and got the crowd roaring each time. Unpenetrable.
Lewis Hall – 8
Was in a slightly unfamiliar position as a wing-back and asked to play in a more subdued role attacking-wise yet did both brilliantly. Instead of flying forward relentlessly, he sat back more often to keep the team tight and constantly looked to unleash Gordon on the flank, which worked time and again.
Jacob Murphy – 8
The Murphy-sance continues and it’s fitting that such an improved player grabbed the biggest goal of the season so far. His finish, which was far more awkward than it first appeared, couldn’t have come at a better time as Arsenal were getting on top and should have gone ahead moments earlier.
He didn’t see as much of the ball as Gordon but worked tirelessly in the other direction to give further protection to Trippier.
Bruno Guimaraes – 9
This wasn’t a flashy game of intricate passing Bruno Guimaraes has been putting in of late but instead a real battle in the mud. Though Odegaard got some joy in the opening 20 minutes, the rest of Arsenal’s influential midfield was snuffed out and struggled to find their captain much after that as a result due to the Brazilian. A selfless captain’s display.
Sandro Tonali – 9
In a game where everyone played their role to a tee, Sandro Tonali will stand alongside Trippier as one of the most quietly crucial.
With Newcastle sitting deep and hitting Arsenal on the counter, they needed someone capable of launching the team up the pitch as quickly as possible. It was the Italian’s job.
With proactive hunting of the ball, positive passing and lung-busting runs, Tonali repeatedly drove Newcastle up the pitch and unnerved the Gunners. He was everywhere defensively, too, throwing his body into challenges and protecting the defence.
Anthony Gordon – 10
If anyone still was, no one is doubting the price Newcastle played for Anthony Gordon now. This performance was simply scintillating.
He was tireless, daring, thrilling. Everything you could possibly ask of a winger. His magnetic link-up play with Isak left Arsenal in knots.
Gordon’s intuitive knowledge of the striker’s movements meant he could play passes without even looking for him, knowing Isak would be there to gather and work magic. His first touch through balls led to the disallowed goal and the opener.
There were a couple of risky dribbles and silly fouls but those minor blemishes are hardly worth noting as his boundless energy ran Arsenal ragged and he got the important second that sealed the trip to Wembley.
Alexander Isak – 10
Unplayable. Absolutely unplayable. Arsenal have the best centre-back pairing in the league but they could not live with the astounding Alexander Isak.
He got in their faces and won dropping balls before spinning in behind and roasting them for pace. Terrifying them all game.
Isak’s incredible finish with three minutes on the clock was cruelly ruled out for off-side but he was crucial again when another great effort smacked off the post only to be tucked away by Murphy.
William Saliba will be checking his wardrobe and under the bed tonight to make sure Isak doesn’t give him another scare.
Substitutes
Joe Willock – 6
Tidy on the ball.
Emil Krafth – 6
Solid as Newcastle saw the game out.
Sean Longstaff – 6
Nothing silly.
Callum Wilson – 6
Returned from injury in the final minutes.
Lewis Miley – N/A
Came on in added time.
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