.jpeg?crop=3:2,smart&trim=&width=640&quality=70&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:
13. Harvey Barnes (on for Barnes, 65) - 6
Was played in by Tonali for a late chance but slipped. Made one vital clearance at the end. | Getty Images
14. Sean Longstaff (on for Longstaff, 65) - 6
Helped pack the midfield at a point where Arsenal started taking control. | Getty Images
15. Miguel Almiron (in for Almiron, 76) - 6
Ran around a lot. Had a late chance although the offside flag went up. | Getty Images
16. Odysseas Vlachodimos - unused sub
Getty Images