Newcastle outclass the Gunners and sent the toon army into ecstasy. The Newcastle United fans celebrated like only they can, bare chested, and partying late into the night with a trip to wembley on the cards, progress for a team that is building up steam under Eddie Howe.
After a comprehensive 4-0 win over two legs against Arsenal that sealed a Carabao Cup final appearance against either Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur on 16 March, Eddie Howe and his players have the opportunity to end the barren years.
This is not simply about making amends for defeat to Manchester United at Wembley in the final of this same competition two years ago. This is about redemption for 56 years as outsiders when the big prizes were being collected elsewhere.
Newcastle outclass the Gunners
If Newcastle United win the Carabao Cup, Howe and his players will assume legendary status forever. Forget the fact this competition may not top the list of some priorities. It means everything to this football club and this city.
There was genuine anxiety in the air
There was genuine anxiety in the air, nerves against one the best teams in England, and although the crowd and atmosphere were outstanding, nothing was settled until the main man stood up again.
Alexander Isak had already had one crisp strike ruled out for a marginal offside before he escaped the attentions of Arsenal defender William Saliba. His shot struck the frame of the goal, but Jacob Murphy was on hand to steer in the rebound.
Shortly after Newcastle’s fans could start a celebration lasting most of the second half when Reya inexplicably played Declan Rice into trouble, Fabian Schar tackled him and the ball ending at the feet of Anthony Gordon for a simple finish. Simply put Newcastle outclassed the Gunners.
Shearer delivered his verdict on “X”, posting: “That was a proper performance man. Arsenal couldn’t live with the intensity. Better than them tonight in every position.”
Alan Shearer former Newcastle legend on X
After 52 minutes there was bedlam in the stadium, the Newcastle fans knew they had broken the Arsenal spirit. Newcastle’s players and staff did a lap of honour – even the normally low-key Howe fist-pumping towards The Leazes End in celebration. This was not an easy game there was genuine anxiety in the air, but Newcastle did it and now can enjoy tonight’s game to see who they will face.
Has Arteta thrown in the towel?
What now for the Gunners, missed another chance to get a cup, but it wasn’t just the defeat, it was the performance. Has Arteta thrown in the towel, you almost got the feeling after 60 minutes. The Arsenal team lacked belief, and as soon as the first goal went, they gave up.
“You need to be on the day very efficent. That is what takes you close to winning trophies and today we weren’t,” said boss Mikel Arteta.
“Today is painful and tomorrow is a different day.”
Ex-Gunners centre-back Matt Upson, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, said: “For how good this team have been, for the squad that Mikel Arteta has built, they had had a lot of joy, but they haven’t won anything.
“That is not enough for what the club expects.”
The Gunners saw what a striker is supposed to do Havertz has done well with 15 goals in all competitions – but that is still not a lot to be the top scorer for a team fighting for multiple trophies.
In among all the throat-clearing in practice for Wembley, Newcastle’s fans reserved a special place for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who complained about the ball being used in the Carabao Cup after their first-leg loss.
“Mikel Arteta, it must be the ball”, became part of this soundtrack to victory as Newcastle’s players and staff did a lap of honour – even the normally low-key Howe fist-pumping towards The Leazes End in celebration after Newcastle outclassed the Gunners
And at the end of the game Arteta’s demeanor said it all. He could feel it that his players had taken a big blow tonight. And he must pick them for the next premier league game if he doesn’t and they get anything less than a win, you can kiss the premier league bye-bye