Newcastle United defeated Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal 2-0 in the second leg of the semi-final encounter of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday at the St James’ Park.
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 United’s last domestic trophy was the FA Cup in 1955, while the club’s last major silverware came in the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1969, a competition that then had the guise of the Uefa Cup and is now the Europa League.
Now, 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 Newcastle players have the opportunity to end the barren years.
And what a night it was on Tyneside as Newcastle’s supporters started in a state of gut-wrenching tension, but then ended high on emotion and elation after reaching Wembley once more.
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.
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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.
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.
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 fans.
