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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:
5. Lewis Hall - 9
The best left-back in the country right now, a statement made even stronger by his performance at the Emirates. | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
6. Sandro Tonali - 8
Covered every blade of grass for Newcastle and showed some moments of quality on the ball. | Getty Images
7. Joe Willock - 6
Not in the game at all in the first-half and almost cost his side when a loss of possession led to Martinelli hitting the post. Gradually improved after the break. Got back well to block a Declan Rice shot. | Getty Images
8. Joelinton - 8
Skied an early opportunity to put Newcastle in front but put in a massive defensive shift. Battled hard, despite spending most of the game on a yellow card. | Getty Images