.jpeg?crop=3:2,smart&trim=&width=640&quality=65&enable=upscale)
Newcastle United take a 2-0 lead into the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final with Arsenal following goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon.
Howe made one change from Saturday’s 2-1 win at Tottenham Hotspur as former Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock replaced the suspended Bruno Guimaraes in midfield.
Joelinton, Lewis Hall and Sandro Tonali squandered decent chances before the Magpies eventually took the lead in the 37th minute when a long free-kick fell into Isak’s path. It was the Swede’s 50th goal for United since arriving for a club-record £63million from Real Socieded in August 2022.
Arsenal had opportunities of their own in the first-half when Gabriel Martinelli hit the post and Gabriel was denied by a big save from Martin Dubravka.
Newcastle made a quick start to the second-half and doubled their advantage after 51 minutes. Isak’s low shot was saved by goalkeeper David Raya but the ball fell straight into Gordon’s path, and he tapped into an empty net.
The visitors tired as Arsenal had all of the ball but Howe used his bench well. In the 65th minute, Lloyd Kelly, Harvey Barnes and Sean Longstaff came on for Jacob Murphy, Isak and Willock before Gordon’s withdrawal for Miguel Almiron saw United end the game in a 5-5-0 formation.
Our writer Jordan Cronin was at the Emirates Stadium - and here are his Newcastle United player ratings:
1. Martin Dubravka - 8
Made a huge save at the end of the first-half to deny Gabriel. Put under an endless amount of pressure from set pieces but coped well overall. Might, probably is, his last appearance. | Getty Images
2. Tino Livramento - 8
Showed good energy to get forward but was largely indecisive. Had a couple of hairy defensive moments but come up with some important contributions in the closing stages. | Getty Images
3. Sven Botman - 8.5
Done by the pace of Gabriel Martinelli on more than one occasion but was otherwise a unit at the back. One of several players in black & white to put his body on the line. | Getty Images
4. Dan Burn - 9
Block, after block, after block. The Blyth-born defender was gigantic as he has been so many times for Newcastle already this season. | Getty Images