Newcastle United moved a giant step closer to ending a 56-year wait to win a major trophy as they secured a place in the Carabao Cup final with victory over Arsenal after an emotional night on Tyneside.
Eddie Howe’s side, who held a 2-0 advantage from the semi-final first leg, completed the second part of the assignment, and will now face Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley as they stand one victory away from ending a sequence without major success stretching back to the 1969 triumph in the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup.
Newcastle made a flying start, with Alexander Isak having a goal ruled out for offside before Jacob Murphy turned home a rebound in the 19th minute after the Sweden striker’s shot hit the post.
The goal came seconds after Martin Odegaard missed what turned out to be Arsenal’s best chance of turning this semi-final around, glancing the post with only keeper Martin Dubravka to beat.
In a tumultuous atmosphere, with the Toon Army urging their side on at deafening volume, Newcastle delivered the decisive blow after 52 minutes following a nightmare moment for Arsenal keeper David Raya.
Raya inexplicably tried to find Declan Rice, who was shadowed by Fabian Schar. He stole possession away from Rice, leaving Anthony Gordon with a simple finish to send Newcastle back to Wembley.
And the Geordie hordes will be hoping to make up for losing against Manchester United in the EFL Cup final two years ago, as well as claiming a first domestic honour since the 1955 FA Cup.
Newcastle thrive in Tyneside pressure cooker
Newcastle went into this second leg surrounded by nerves, despite holding that healthy 2-0 advantage in front of their own fanatical fanbase.
The unease was created by two home defeats against Bournemouth and Fulham, while Arsenal looked to be hitting their stride with a 5-1 thrashing of Premier League champions Manchester City at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
They were also without the influential Joelinton, ruled out by the knee injury he suffered in the weekend loss against Fulham. In the end, his power and threat was not missed.
Newcastle needed a fast start, ideally accompanied by a goal, to sweep away the anxiety lingering in this thunderous environment. The dream opening duly arrived.
And it was the talisman Isak who was the inspiration, running Arsenal ragged, as he did at Emirates Stadium, in those early stages, having a crisp finish disallowed for a marginal offside then being heavily involved in Murphy’s opener.
The only question was whether Newcastle could keep up the breathtaking pace and intensity, but when the tempo did die down they were able to exert a measure of control that ensured they always remained in charge of the destiny of this semi-final.
Gordon’s goal was the clincher, the catalyst for a long period of celebration as Newcastle moved towards a successful finale.
And now the dream is within touching distance again for Newcastle and the supporters who crave success after that defeat against Manchester United at Wembley in 2023.
Victory against either Liverpool or Spurs at Wembley would ensure legendary status for manager Howe and his players.
