Newcastle seized control of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie against Arsenal as the in-form Alexander Isak inspired a 2-0 victory in a pulsating first leg at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal bombarded the Newcastle goal for long periods of the contest but missed a succession of chances, mostly from set-pieces, with only three of their 23 shots directed on target.
Newcastle, by contrast, were ruthless, with Isak opening the scoring with his 10th goal in nine games when he pounced on poor Arsenal defending from a long ball in the first half.
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Alexander Isak gives Newcastle the lead after ‘poor defending’ from Arsenal
The Sweden international was heavily involved in Newcastle’s second, too, exchanging passes with Jacob Murphy then firing a diagonal shot towards goal which David Raya could only push into the path of the onrushing Anthony Gordon soon after half-time.
Newcastle had not won away to Arsenal since November 2010 and were without key duo Bruno Guimaraes and Fabian Schar due to suspension but defended doggedly to hold on to their two-goal advantage as the hosts continued to flounder in front of goal.
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Anthony Gordon doubles Newcastle’s lead soon after the break
Kai Havertz, selected to start up front ahead of the in-form Gabriel Jesus, missed their best chance, sending a free header wide from close-range, but he was not alone in his poor finishing, with Gabriel Martinelli hitting the post from a one-on-one chance in the first half and the hosts failing to capitalise on a series of dead-ball chances.
The two-goal defeat leaves Arsenal, already six points behind Liverpool in the Premier League, with a huge task to reverse a two-goal deficit in the second leg at St James’ Park on Wednesday February 5. Newcastle, meanwhile, continue to dream of ending their 55-year trophy drought, their winning run extended to seven games in all competitions.
Tottenham host Liverpool on Wednesday evening in the first leg of the other semi-final, live on Sky Sports at 8pm.
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Kai Havertz misses a glorious chance to score in the second half
Analysis: Isak shows cutting edge Arsenal lack
Kai Havertz had four shots without scoring. Gabriel Martinelli had three and so did Martin Odegaard, Jurrien Timber and Gabriel Magalhaes. Arsenal’s finishing woes contrasted sharply with the clinical brilliance of Alexander Isak. Both of his shots led to Newcastle goals.
The first was smashed into the net off the bar after Sven Botman had flicked on Martin Dubravka’s long free-kick, which was helped into Isak’s path by Jacob Murphy. The second forced David Raya to parry the ball to the feet of the grateful Anthony Gordon.
Isak effectively decided this game, as he has so many others this season. The 25-year-old is up to 15 goals in all competitions. Three quarters of them have come in the space of barely a month. His form has been utterly devastating and Arsenal are just his latest victim.
It is hardly surprising they are among his suitors. This was the sixth game this season in which they have failed to score and there have been a further seven in which they have only scored one. How they could use a finisher like Isak. Newcastle are feeling the benefits.
