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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:
9. Jacob Murphy - 7
Got on the end of some good passes down the right. Claimed another assist, although we’re not sure he knew too much about it. | Getty Images
10. Anthony Gordon - 8
Got into some promising positions but lacked that final bit of quality until scoring United’s second shortly after half-time. Then had a 10-minute cameo as a striker. Tireless. | Getty Images
11. Alexander Isak - 9
Simply terrorised the Arsenal defence in the first-half. Unplayable. Set up big chances for Joelinton and Lewis Hall before taking it upon himself to open the scoring. | Getty Images
12. Lloyd Kelly (on for Murphy, 65) - 7
Helped Newcastle see out the game with some big headers. | Getty Images