Alexander Isak netted his 50th goal for Newcastle United as Eddie Howe’s team made significant progress toward the League Cup final with a 2-0 win against Arsenal on January 7.
Isak scored just before halftime in the first leg of the semi-final at the chilly Emirates Stadium, and he played a significant part in Newcastle’s second goal, which was netted by Anthony Gordon after the interval.
Missed Opportunities for Arsenal
Arsenal regretted their inability to capitalize on multiple favorable opportunities, with Gabriel Martinelli hitting the post in the first half and Kai Havertz squandering a prime chance.
Newcastle Historic Opportunity
Newcastle, in great form and without a major trophy since 1955, will now be the clear favorites to finish the task in the second leg at home in February.
Upcoming Semi-Final Clash
Tottenham Hotspur welcomes the defending champions Liverpool for the first leg of the other semi-final on January 8.
Arsenal Unbeaten Run Ends
Arsenal had gone 13 matches without a defeat in all competitions, but they struggled to find their form against a sharp Newcastle team that has shown a preference for north London.
Three days prior, they achieved a 2-1 victory at Tottenham, bringing them nearer to the Premier League’s top four. They returned home, sending the travelling Toon Army back up north in high spirits.
Isak Unstoppable Form
Isak has scored ten goals in his last nine club appearances and has been practically unstoppable lately.
The Swede sent one early opportunity sailing over the crossbar but demonstrated his scoring ability after 37 minutes when a long pass into the box came his way, and he struck the ball powerfully past David Raya into the top of the net.
Key Moments in the Match
Arsenal posed a threat when Martinelli curled a shot that hit the post from the perimeter of the box, and Newcastle had to engage in frantic defending during a chaotic goalmouth scramble.
Jurrien Timber also sent a header over the crossbar from a short distance for the home side, and Havertz was even more at fault after halftime when he inexplicably missed connecting with a header with the goal wide open.
At that point, Newcastle was leading 2-0 after Gordon scored from close range in the 50th minute. Jacob Murphy delivered an excellent pass to Isak, whose shot was deftly parried by Raya, allowing Gordon to slot in the rebound.
Strong Defensive Finish
Arsenal intensified their efforts in the closing moments to narrow the gap, but Newcastle held strong defensively and will return to St James’ Park with a solid advantage.
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