Newcastle United defeated Arsenal 2-0 at St James’ Park, securing a 4-0 aggregate win and reaching their second League Cup final in three seasons.
Newcastle United Reach League Cup Final After 4-0 Aggregate Win Over Arsenal
Newcastle United secured a spot in the League Cup final for the second time in three seasons, defeating Arsenal 2-0 at St James’ Park on Wednesday. The win completed a dominant 4-0 aggregate victory, sending Newcastle to Wembley.
Arsenal had already lost 2-0 at home in the first leg and needed a strong comeback. However, Newcastle quickly took control. Jacob Murphy scored in the 19th minute, reacting first after Alexander Isak’s shot bounced off the post. Arsenal’s Martin Ødegaard had just missed a big chance to cut the deficit before Murphy’s goal changed the game’s momentum.
Arsenal struggled throughout the match, and their hopes were crushed in the 52nd minute when Anthony Gordon capitalized on a defensive mistake to double Newcastle’s lead. The result sealed a historic night for Newcastle, who last won a major trophy in 1955. They will now face either Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur in the final at Wembley next month.
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Newcastle’s Dominance Ends Arsenal’s Hopes
Before the match, Arsenal fans hoped their 5-1 win over Manchester City would inspire a comeback. However, history was against them—only once in 32 previous semi-finals had a team overturned a two-goal first-leg deficit.
The turning point came midway through the first half. Ødegaard had a golden chance but sliced his shot against the post. Just a minute later, Isak broke through again, and his shot hit the post, allowing Murphy to coolly finish from a tight angle.
Newcastle captain Bruno Guimarães admitted the moment was crucial. “I was very happy Ødegaard missed it. That was a big opportunity for them, and less than two minutes later we scored. It was a game-changer.”
Arsenal’s night got worse as Gabriel Martinelli suffered a hamstring injury before halftime, adding to their injury problems with Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka also sidelined.
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Gordon’s Goal Seals Arsenal’s Fate
Arsenal’s defense looked shaky, and Newcastle took full advantage. William Saliba was nearly punished when Gordon stole the ball and attempted a long-range shot with David Raya off his line. Minutes later, Arsenal made another mistake—Raya’s poor pass was intercepted by Gordon, who fired a first-time shot past the goalkeeper to make it 2-0.
With Newcastle in control, St James’ Park erupted in celebration as the home side comfortably saw out the match. Arsenal must now refocus on their Premier League title race, where they are chasing Liverpool.
Newcastle, meanwhile, will return to Wembley, hoping to go one step further than 2023, when they lost the final to Manchester United.
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