‘What a player’: Lewis Hall thought £12m Newcastle teammate was absolutely sensational vs Arsenal

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Newcastle United were simply faultless as they beat Arsenal to reach the Carabao Cup final.

Understandably, the fans were incredibly nervous going into the game despite having a two-goal lead for the home leg.

Newcastle United’s win against Arsenal was one of the most complete performances you will see from one of Eddie Howe’s sides that looked ready for any scenario that came their way.

Fans were worried that Howe had gone too defensive by playing with a back five, but Sven Botman’s introduction allowed Lewis Hall to play in a central midfield role whenever Newcastle went forward – it worked a treat.

Club legend Alan Shearer mocked Arsenal fan Ian Wright during the game Gabriel and William Saliba’s performances – Alexander Isak proved to be an incredibly tough opponent throughout the evening.

Shearer also messaged Bruno Guimaraes after he captained Newcastle to his first cup final since taking the armband at the start of the season. Guimaraes revealed a conversation with Howe before the season started that showed how much faith the Toon boss put into him.

The Magpies will now take on either Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup final, hoping they can do one better than their trip to Wembley Stadium in 2023.

With a trip to the capital in the bag, Hall took to social media to praise one of his teammates who was equally brilliant on Wednesday night.

Lewis Hall’s response to Jacob Murphy after Newcastle win

Following an early disallowed goal in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg at St James’ Park, Newcastle gave themselves a three-goal lead in the tie through Jacob Murphy, who pounced on Isak’s thunderous effort that bounced off the post.

Throughout the night, Murphy was a constant problem for Arsenal’s back-line before he was taken off for Joe Willock with 10 minutes to play.

After the game, Murphy took to Instagram to celebrate the win. The 29-year-old said: “Let’s go back to Wembley.”

The post had comments from Guimaraes, former Toon goalkeeper Shay Given and one particular comment from Hall: “What a player man.”

Hall was excellent in his own right, throughout both legs, he kept Arsenal’s attackers at bay despite being on the end of 34 of the Gunners’ attempts on goal throughout the cup tie.

Toon fans will now hope that Murphy, who signed for Newcastle for £12m, can deliver on the biggest stage in March.

• READ MORE – When is the Carabao Cup final 2025? Date, kick-off time and prize money as Newcastle United reach Wembley

Jacob Murphy’s stats against Arsenal

Murphy is currently enjoying his best-ever season for the Magpies despite spending almost eight years at the club.

The winger has five goals and nine assists in all competitions, his best-attacking return since he joined Newcastle in 2017. Despite taking just 14 touches against Arsenal, Murphy ensured Mikel Arteta’s side felt his presence.

As well as the goal, Murphy won all of his tackles (2/2), made two-headed clearances, four recoveries, won three duels and drew a foul.

Newcastle set up to be defensive when they needed to, Murphy played into that and had a much more defence-focused performance.

Whoever they play next, Newcastle fans will be hoping that Murphy can pop up and deliver the goods once again.