Newcastle United coach Jason Tindall says that backroom team told Toon players to go: "Right after Arsenal" in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.

However, the Magpies' tactical masterclass left Arsenal with no answer to United's attacking intent while Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp got it spectacularly wrong the the visitors' approach to the game. Reknapp had claimed that Arsenal would stay in the game until the end.

He said: "Arsenal just need to stay patient because even if they score on 80 minutes, they will still be in the game. If they score the crowd will get edgy and anything can still happen."

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But the tie was effectively put to bed at 19 minutes as Jacob Murphy continued his rich vein of form after wrapping his foot around the rebound from Alexander Isak's scorching shot. And any prospect of late jitters evaporated on 52 minutes when Anthony Gordon sealed the victory to make it 4-0 on aggregate.

Despite naming a five-man defensive rearguard, which featured Dan Burn, Fabian Schar and Sven Botman in the heart of the backline, assistant coach Tindall emerged to explain that Newcastle's plan was never to sit back.

And while Newcastle lined up with a 5-4-1 formation they effectively had Jacob Murphy, Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon as a front three when in possession. Incredibly, United had just 31% possession but still managed 10 goal attempts and proved to be lethal in front of goal in both halves thanks to goals from wing wizards Murphy and Gordon.

Tindall said: "Arsenal are a top, top team. They are always there or there about and were on a great unbeaten run but it was important that we stuck to the plan in terms of how we wanted to play.

"It was about the players going and executing that, so they take all credit for that. We got right after them from minute one and made it uncomfortable for them.

"We defended our box really well when we had to. And we know we are always a threat with Alexander Isak and Jacob Murphy we knew their moments would come. When they came it was about taking your chances."

Blyth lad Dan Burn also praised the coaching team for the tactical tweak, devised on Monday morning after the defeat to Fulham, and said: "You have to trust the manager and what he tells you to do.

"Arsenal do game management a lot and we did the same. If we stick to the game plan we will go far as a team."