Arsenal 0-2 Newcastle: Alexander Isak scores again as Magpies seize control of Carabao Cup semi-final tie

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.

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.

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.

Arteta rues wastefulness but still believes

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta told Sky Sports:

“The biggest difference was being clinical in the game. In every other aspect, we were the better team. They scored two goals and credit to them as they managed to win the game like this.

“When we missed the chances and conceded the goal it is always tough, but the team reacted. We generated a lot of situations, but it is true, they defended the box very well.

“We can do better with our decisions. We had a one-on-one chance with the keeper and in the semi-final, you have to be clinical.”

On Alexander Isak’s goal, he said: “I have seen the goal and it is something they do – they create the chaos, and it gets to the wrong player and Isak puts it away.”

On the second leg, he added: “We have to be disappointed as it’s another result that we wanted, but that’s the reality. I have full belief. I have seen my team playing against them – I believe we can do it.”

Howe: A big step forward but tie still alive

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe told Sky Sports:

“It was a really interesting game. We started off on the front foot, we tried to take the game to them and be ourselves which we thought was really important,

“Then we fatigued, the players have given so much in recent games. Then it was about mentality to defend and we did that really well.

“We know what’s at stake. The players put their bodies on the line and put their fatigue aside. We had a couple of injury problems at half time which we were trying to manage in the game.

“Alex (Isak) was feeling a bit stiff in his hamstring, Joe Willock took a nasty knock, Sven (Botman) was feeling his groin. We were creaking a little bit in the second half which is why I made the substitutions to try and stay strong in the game.

“This is a tough ground and we’ve suffered here previously. Today is another big step forward when you look at the recent run we’ve had away from home. We’re playing with confidence and belief and that helps when you’re defending in the dying moments. The tie is very much alive, it’s still very finely balanced. We’ve got a tough home leg to come.

“We know in the second leg we have our supporters with us which is going to be hugely important but we’re still going to need to do everything right to get through this tie.”

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.

Story of the match in stats…

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