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- Newcastle took control of Carabao Cup semi-final with first leg victory
- Magpies beat Arsenal 2-0 thanks to goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon
- Second leg takes place in early February at St James’ Park
Newcastle United took a huge step towards the Carabao Cup final on Tuesday evening as they beat Arsenal 2-0 in the first leg of their semi-final tie.
Arsenal failed to forge an abundance of first-half opportunities at the Emirates Stadium but came close to taking the lead through Gabriel Martinelli, the speedy winger sprinting through on goal and slamming his effort against the post.
But Newcastle were the side to strike first and it was the relentless Alexander Isak who netted for a fifth consecutive match in all competitions. A free kick eventually found its way to the 25-year-old following touches from Sven Botman and Jacob Murphy, with the red-hot sharpshooter converting in style from close range.
The Magpies grabbed a significant second just six minutes after the restart as Anthony Gordon reacted fastest to Isak’s rebuffed shot, sliding into an unguarded net after beating Jurrien Timber to the ball.
Kai Havertz missed Arsenal’s best opportunity to get on the scoresheet when he fumbled a free header from six yards, leaving the Gunners with the unenviable task of turning around a two-goal deficit during the second leg in early February at St James’ Park.
Arsenal player ratings (4-3-3)
Arsenal struggled to break Newcastle down / Marc Atkins/GettyImages
| Player | Rating |
|---|---|
| GK: David Raya | 6.6/10 |
| RB: Jurrien Timber | 6.6/10 |
| CB: William Saliba | 6.5/10 |
| CB: Gabriel | 6.3/10 |
| LB: Myles Lewis-Skelly | 6.1/10 |
| CM: Martin Odegaard | 6.4/10 |
| CM: Thomas Partey | 6.7/10 |
| CM: Declan Rice | 7.8/10 |
| RW: Leandro Trossard | 7.0/10 |
| ST: Kai Havertz | 5.9/10 |
| LW: Gabriel Martinelli | 6.5/10 |
| SUB: Jorginho (59′ for Partey) | 7.0/10 |
| SUB: Gabriel Jesus (59′ for Trossard) | 5.8/10 |
| SUB: Oleksandr Zinchenko (78′ for Lewis-Skelly) | 6.8/10 |
Subs not used: Jack Porter (GK), Jakub Kiwior, Kieran Tierney, Riccardo Calafiori, Mikel Merino, Raheem Sterling.
Newcastle player ratings (4-3-3)
Alexander Isak caught the eye / Alex Pantling/GettyImages
| Player | Rating |
|---|---|
| GK: Martin Dubravka | 8.3/10 |
| RB: Tino Livramento | 7.5/10 |
| CB: Sven Botman | 7.6/10 |
| CB: Dan Burn | 7.2/10 |
| LB: Lewis Hall | 7.0/10 |
| CM: Joe Willock | 6.4/10 |
| CM: Sandro Tonali | 7.7/10 |
| CM: Joelinton | 6.6/10 |
| RW: Jacob Murphy | 7.4/10 |
| ST: Alexander Isak | 8.1/10 |
| LW: Anthony Gordon | 7.7/10 |
| SUB: Sean Longstaff (65′ for Willock) | 6.4/10 |
| SUB: Harvey Barnes (65′ for Isak) | 6.4/10 |
| SUB: Lloyd Kelly (65′ for Murphy) | 6.3/10 |
| SUB: Miguel Almiron (76′ for Gordon) | 6.1/10 |
Subs not used: Odysseas Vlachodimos (GK), Kieran Trippier, Matt Targett, Lewis Miley, William Osula.
