Alan Shearer had praise to give for every single player that took to the field for Newcastle United during their 2-0 Carabao Cup semi-final away leg victory over Arsenal on Tuesday.

Stakes are high as Arsenal and the Magpies go head-to-head for a place at Wembley Stadium in March's grand final, where the first English silverware is up for grabs. The pain of losing the key match two years ago and the desire for a first major trophy since 1955.

At the halfway point in their tie, both the scoreline advantage and confidence is firmly in Newcastle's favour. Nothing the home side could muster would stop Eddie Howe's team from coming away from the Emirates Stadium with a 2-0 win.

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After Gabriel Martinelli hit the post, it fell upon Alexander Isak to net the opener. At the end of a set-piece move, he blasted a shot in off the underside of the crossbar with David Raya none the wiser.

After the half-time break he had another tight-angled shot that was patted away by Raya, though only to the feet of Anthony Gordon waiting to tap in at the back post. As the final whistle blew, Shearer wasted no time raving about the result and performance.

"An OUTSTANDING first leg semi final performance from every single player from start to finish," was the message the club legend posted to X.

Undoubtedly Tuesday's goalscorers - especially Isak, ignoring the Arsenal transfer rumours - will get the key plaudits, though it is also the defensive effort that Shearer importantly covers in his message of praise.

With 31 percent possession on the night, they conceded 23 attempts on goal - only three of which were allowed on target. Of those, Martin Dubravka made two saves, and ultimately they kept the clean sheet to show for it.

Now they take a two-goal advantage into the second leg at St. James' Park on February 5, leaving Arsenal with all the work to do to turn this tie around.