Newcastle’s statement win over Arsenal puts end of 70-year drought in sight
A mighty winter so far from Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United, and now a great opportunity approaches: could this be the moment when one of the longest quests in British sport reaches its finale?
That will be the question that pursues Howe and his players all the way across the four weeks to the second leg of this Carabao Cup semi-final on Feb 5. The run that goes back to 1955 since the club’s last major domestic honour is absurd in its length. Seven decades that stretch back to a time that predates the launch of the European Cup, the Suez Crisis, The Beatles. There are five games between the first and the second leg – an aberration of the fixture list – and yet for Newcastle it will be hard to shake from the collective mind.
This is seven wins in a row from Howe’s team and by the time they reconvene with Arsenal at St James’ Park there is a transfer window to conclude and who knows how many injuries will be sustained and how much fatigue accumulated. Howe warned that at half-time he was conscious of the toll it was taking on his players – his striker Alexander Isak was struggling, and so too the defender Sven Botman. This was the first competitive game that Newcastle had won without their Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimarães.
Isak, wearing the No 14 of a great from north London, had a superb first half – a problem that was unsolvable for the Arsenal defence. He scored Newcastle’s first and then it was his shot that Anthony Gordon tucked in for the second on 51 minutes. This was Isak’s 10th goal in his last nine games and there is no doubt that he is currently the pre-eminent centre-forward of the English game. Although he will have to be in the same form this time next month and for all of next month to win this elusive trophy for Newcastle.
Isak's highlights from tonight 👀🔥#ITVFootball | #CarabaoCup | @NUFC pic.twitter.com/XxLKGRGeBy
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) January 7, 2025
This tie is not yet over, yet the poignancy of Arsenal’s first home defeat since that title-race defining game against Aston Villa in April last year was not lost on anyone. Defeat brought to an end their own 13-game unbeaten run, and it was not as if they played badly. They blitzed Newcastle in the first half with 14 attempts on goal and yet went in one behind. The absence of Bukayo Saka looms large. Kai Havertz was obliged to play the second half on the right wing. Gabriel Martinelli’s finishing was not of the calibre of Isak. Still Raheem Sterling was not called off the bench.
There would be complaints from Arsenal about a push on Martin Odegaard by Isak at a crucial stage in the build-up to the Swede’s goal, the first for Newcastle on 37 minutes. Yet Howe showed again that his team is capable of absorbing a lot of pressure. When they switched in the last 20 minutes to a deep-lying five-man defence, Arsenal struggled to break it down.
For much of the game Howe’s players defended their box superbly, with fine performances from the likes of Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento – the two young English full-backs. There were some impressive saves from Martin Dubravka, who applauded the big away following at the end in what seemed to be a tearful farewell. Howe claimed that he had no idea if this would be the end of seven years at the club for the goalkeeper and added that it would be his preference for Dubravka to stay.
The historic trend of first-leg leads suggests that Wembley awaits Newcastle for the second time in three years in the old League Cup. They have an FA Cup third-round tie against Bromley of League Two on Sunday and four more games in the Premier League before what should be an epic second leg. “I don’t think you can afford to think like that if you are me,” Howe said on the prospect of Wembley and another chance to change the course of the club’s history. When you are in my shoes you have to be strategic, you have to be planning well and you have to be looking at what’s in front of you.
“This game [second leg] is there in the future and we are really looking forward to it but it now goes out of our minds totally.”
Isak had shown what he intended to do to this fine Arsenal defence in the first 15 minutes when he switched the ball around on the right and glided past William Saliba in a manner to which the Frenchman is generally unaccustomed. For the most part Newcastle were letting the home side have the ball and taking it when they needed it most, although that approach was dangerous at times.
The best of those Arsenal chances was Martinelli’s long run on goal on 29 minutes with Botman in vain pursuit like a man reluctantly obliged to race his pet greyhound. The Brazilian was comfortably clear by the time he reached shooting range and struck Dubravka’s left post.
There were big saves from the Newcastle goalkeeper and it was his long free-kick that made the first goal. Botman won the header and it fell to Jacob Murphy who just got a touch on it as everyone converged, a nudge that eluded three Arsenal players and turned into an assist. Isak took the chance with that great certainty of a striker in the groove.
The ability of this Newcastle attack to raise the pace suddenly and unexpectedly once again surprised Arsenal six minutes after half-time. Sandro Tonali’s ball to Murphy went suddenly into Isak whose shot David Raya only just saved – and there was Gordon to react quickest and finish.
Howe would later switch to a 4-5-1 formation, bringing on Lloyd Kelly and Sean Longstaff among others. The best chance fell to Havertz, a cross that struck Hall and sat up nicely for the German – but he misjudged the flight and connected limply with his shoulder.
10:37 PM GMT
Eddie Howe speaking on Sky
I think it was a really interesting game. We tried to start on the front foot, we tried to be ourselves which we thought was important, but then things were more difficult as players fatigued. That’s when it was about defending our box and putting bodies on the loan. Joe Willock took a nasty knock and Sven Botman felt his groin so we were creaking a bit which is why I made the substitutions.
10:27 PM GMT
Arteta on Arsenal’s performance
The biggest difference in the game was who was more clinical, because in many other aspects we probably deserved to win the game.
When we miss the chances we miss and then concede a goal, it is always tough. We tried it in various ways, with various players, but they defended with their lives and made a lot of blocks. We can do better with our decisions and timing to shoot.
We missed the best chance in the game with the one-on-one with the goalkeeper and it semi-finals you have to be clinical.
The way the team tries every three days is unbelievable but that does not mean we are disappointed.
10:24 PM GMT
Eddie Howe speaking on ITV about Isak
First half he was electric, I thought he played really well. He scored but I just thought his general game was in a really good place. He was feeling his hamstring a bit at half-time so we had to manage him in the second half and that was a big blow to our performance.
I think we rode our luck at times and I think Martin [Dubravka] played really well and made some really good saves. I thought the set plays in the main we got the small details right. Our mentality to defend our goal with the blocked shots, the heroic pieces of defending that we saw in the last 20 to 30 minutes, it’s great for us for the future.
10:17 PM GMT
Isak on Newcastle’s form
I think it comes down to a team thing. We have been solid defensively and then we have the quality up front. Jacob [Murphy] assisted me and I tried to be in the right place to finish the attacks.
We came here with the intention to bring a good result home and we did. We have some time to change things, come back and do the same at St. James’ Park.
10:11 PM GMT
To emphasise Arsenal’s task
Since 1987-88, nine teams have won away in the first leg of a League Cup semi-final and eight have progressed.
10:08 PM GMT
Anthony Gordon speaking on ITV
I think so. I think everyone is in agreement with that. He’s on fire. Even for my goal. I’m just gambling back post.
It’s all about attitude. It was unbelievable to a man. I want to mention Dan Burn, he’s been our player of the season for me.
10:07 PM GMT
Dan Burn on Newcastle’s defensive efforts
Very proud. It was always going to be like that second half once we were 2-0 up. Only half a job done, but I though to a man we defended brilliantly.
09:57 PM GMT
Three huge away wins for Arsenal
The biggest mistake anyone can make is believe the job is done but what a performance from Newcastle United. The game plan was perfect and the players gave absolutely everything they had for the shirt. Arsenal almost totally reliant on set pieces against them again.
A great…— Luke Edwards (@LukeEdwardsTele) January 7, 2025
09:54 PM GMT
FT: Arsenal 0 Newcastle United 2
Newcastle have one foot in the final after one of the best nights in their modern history. It is only a two-goal lead, but a combination of Newcastle’s strength at home, Arsenal’s recent record at St James’ Park and Arteta’s team’s struggles to score goals mean it is hard to see a turnaround. Arsenal had their chances but it is another game in which their attack was found wanting. Isak the outstanding forward on the pitch and he had a hand in both goals.
09:52 PM GMT
94 minutes: Arsenal 0 Newcastle United 2
Gabriel wins a back-post header from Timber’s cross but once again a black and white shirt gets to the loose ball first. This time it was Longstaff in front of Zinchenko. Just a minute to go for Newcastle.
09:50 PM GMT
92 minutes: Arsenal 0 Newcastle United 2
Arsenal camped in Newcastle’s defensive third but they are lacking imagination. Joelinton concedes a corner on the stretch. Gabriel was playing as Arsenal’s right-winger there. Arsenal have had 11 corners.
09:48 PM GMT
90 minutes: Arsenal 0 Newcastle United 2
Arsenal restricted to sending crosses into the box with Gabriel playing as a centre-half, but Newcastle defend resolutely again.
There will be five minutes of added time to play.
09:45 PM GMT
87 minutes: Arsenal 0 Newcastle United 2
Jorginho catches a shot well from the edge of the box, but it whistles over the bar. Some half-hearted appeals for handball in the box.
09:44 PM GMT
87 minutes: Arsenal 0 Newcastle United 2
Arsenal have a free-kick in a crossing position after Almiron clips the heels of Rice. Odegaard is going to take, left-footed, but yet again Newcastle repel the delivery.
09:42 PM GMT
85 minutes: Arsenal 0 Newcastle United 2
Arsenal have moved Havertz to the right in this second half but they have missed his presence in central areas. Jesus and Odegaard battling against giants, and Jesus makes his push far too obvious.
09:41 PM GMT
82 minutes: Arsenal 0 Newcastle United 2
Arsenal have another corner after Havertz tries an ambitious volley after Zinchenko fired a pass neck-high to the forward. Rice clips one to the near post, and Livramento poked behind for another corner. The ball drops to the edge of the box, and Gabriel shoots over. The home team getting desperate now.
Bit of a side note but what a performance this has been by Lewis Hall tonight. Arsenal have rotated their right wingers tonight and Hall has done a good job on all of the players who have come near him
09:38 PM GMT
81 minutes: Arsenal 0 Newcastle United 2
Zinchenko booked for a late sliding challenge after Joelinton is first to the loose ball. Arsenal have had just two shots since the 65th minute, Newcastle have stemmed the flow of chances for now.
09:37 PM GMT
79 minutes: Arsenal 0 Newcastle United 2
Tonali wanted a free-kick for a foul by Saliba but the referee feels he dives. Arsenal look for that chip over the top again, but Havertz cannot pick out Jesus on the stretch with the cross.
09:35 PM GMT
77 minutes: Arsenal 0 Newcastle United 2
Jorginho with a chipped pass towards Jesus, but Burn gets his body between man and ball and eases him out. Arteta with another change: Lewis-Skelly off, Zinchenko on.
09:33 PM GMT
75 minutes: Arsenal 0 Newcastle United 2
Lewis Hall excelling again, keeping the ball away from Odegaard and Havertz when he looked to have slipped. Joelinton wins a foul from Jorginho, much to the anger of the Arsenal crowd. Almiron is coming on, replacing Anthony Gordon.
09:31 PM GMT
73 minutes: Arsenal 0 Newcastle United 2
Harvey Barnes provides Newcastle’s most dangerous attack for quite some time but he slipped at the crucial moment up against Saliba. Howe is about to call for the pace of Almiron.
09:29 PM GMT
71 minutes: Arsenal 0 Newcastle United 2
It is not a major concern while the clean sheet remains in tact, but Newcastle have more of less stopped playing here. Arsenal are repeatedly getting into the box, but they need to find that telling cross or shot. They have another corner.
09:26 PM GMT
68 minutes: Arsenal 0 Newcastle United 2
Martinelli and Jorginho exchange passes in the box after a Lewis-Skelly pull-back and the Brazilian fired over after flicking the ball up on the volley. Arsenal sorely need that breakthrough soon. They have Newcastle well penned in but who is going to seize the moment? Rice wins another corner.
Arsenal have produced some pretty drab attacking performances in recent months (the Everton and Brighton games come to mind) but this really isn’t one of them. This isn’t a creativity problem. It’s finishing. Terrible, terrible finishing.
09:25 PM GMT
67 minutes: Arsenal 0 Newcastle United 2
Longstaff gets a foot to the ball to win it off Jesus, and Gordon’s run helps Newcastle gain territory. Arsenal attack again through Martinelli and Hall helps his cross on for a throw.
09:22 PM GMT
65 minutes: Arsenal 0 Newcastle United 2
Jacob Murphy, Alexander Isak and Joe Willock are the players coming off. Gordon and Barnes left up front and a back five it looks like. Newcastle looking to hold on to what they have.
09:21 PM GMT
64 minutes: Arsenal 0 Newcastle United 2
Arsenal have a corner after a driving run from Rice into the box, which was well-tracked by Willock. Howe is about to make a triple sub of Barnes, Kelly and Longstaff. Another promising Rice delivery but Saliba fails to keep his header down at the back post.
09:19 PM GMT
62 minutes: Arsenal 0 Newcastle United 2
It is beginning to look like the ball just will not go in for Arsenal, although this time the flag was up for offside against Timber. Yet another pinball moment in the six-yard box after Rice attacked the cross.
09:17 PM GMT
60 minutes: Arsenal 0 Newcastle United 2
Here is that double change: Jorginho on for Partey, and Jesus on for Trossard. They have missed two or three glaring chances in this game now. Gabriel wins a foul from Willock.
09:15 PM GMT
58 minutes: Arsenal 0 Newcastle United 2
Tonali with a wicked low cross across the Arsenal penalty box which Raya got fingertips to and the home team just about survive. Arteta is preparing a double sub.
Then Havertz misses a sitter at the other end! Deflected Trossard cross found him completely unmarked in the box, but he took his eyes off the ball and it struck his shoulder and squirmed wide.
09:14 PM GMT
56 minutes: Arsenal 0 Newcastle United 2
Better from Odegaard in midfield, and Havertz is brought down at the expense of a yellow card by Gordon. Newcastle hold their line well from the free-kick and play Arsenal offside. Arteta does not have many options but surely needs to make a change.
09:12 PM GMT
53 minutes: Arsenal 0 Newcastle United 2
Arsenal need a comeback and a half now, but they have a corner after Botman blocks Odegaard’s volley. Rice to take from the left. Tonali defends well against Martinelli at the back post after Dubravka flapped.
09:10 PM GMT
GOOOOAAALL! Gordon doubles Newcastle’s lead
Yet again, Isak causes Arsenal problems but rolling off the centre-backs into the space between Rice and Partey. Murphy then finds Isak in the box who sorts his feet out quickly to shoot to left footed, pushed wide by Raya but there was Gordon to tap in.
This is turning into a fabulous away performance by Newcastle United. They’ve been a bit fortunate at times but they’re frustrating Arsenal and causing problems on every counter-attack. Raya has had a brilliant season but could he do better with that Isak shot?
Newcastle are playing like a team that feels they can score every time they cross the halfway line.
09:08 PM GMT
51 minutes: Arsenal 0 Newcastle United 1
Arsenal seeing lots of the ball, but most of their possession in is front of Newcastle’s 4-5-1. Partey accelerates things with a zipped pass through to Odegaard but the Arsenal’s skipper’s touch let him down, not for the first time tonight. Newcastle looking to sit in and break at pace in this half.
09:06 PM GMT
49 minutes: Arsenal 0 Newcastle United 1
Odegaard trying to harry with more intent, and his forces Dubravka into a stray pass. Arsenal with a throw-in in Newcastle territory. Howe’s side have been fast starters rather than strong finishers lately, Arsenal will need that pattern to continue.
09:05 PM GMT
47 minutes: Arsenal 0 Newcastle United 1
As Sam Dean noticed from the ground, Arsenal are trying to get Martinelli into central positions and isolated against Newcastle’s centre-backs. Havertz was the player filling in wide left there. A number of Arsenal fans are still having a pint by the look of things.
09:03 PM GMT
We’re back under way!
Arsenal get the second half started, badly in need of a spark.
09:02 PM GMT
The two teams are back out
Arsenal’s problem now is that they have to push forward and leave green grass for Gordon and Isak to exploit. It looks like Trossard has shaken off that knock.
08:51 PM GMT
Isak’s half century
50 - Alexander Isak has scored 50 goals for Newcastle United in all competitions, while since his debut in August 2022, only Erling Haaland (105) and Mohamed Salah (73) have scored more goals in all competitions among Premier League players. Great. pic.twitter.com/9HYRmCYFoF
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 7, 2025
08:50 PM GMT
Potentially another injury worry for Arsenal
Just what Arsenal needed: Trossard is in a lot of pain here. He's not moving well, at all.
— Sam Dean (@SamJDean) January 7, 2025
08:48 PM GMT
HT: Arsenal 0 Newcastle United 1
Very much advantage Newcastle a quarter of the way through the semi-final. Arsenal had some moments of danger, notably Martinelli’s chance when he hit the post, but have struggled for rhythm against a positive Newcastle approach and Isak has been a thorn in the home team’s side throughout.
08:46 PM GMT
45 minutes: Arsenal 0 Newcastle United 1
Just the two minutes of added time to play. Trossard wanted a free-kick for a foul by Gordon but there was very little in it.
08:45 PM GMT
44 minutes: Arsenal 0 Newcastle United 1
Odegaard took the shot on from the free-kick, but it was straight into the wall. Dubravka then makes a strong save after Rice’s knockdown found Gabriel. Route one from Arsenal, but almost effective.
08:44 PM GMT
42 minutes: Arsenal 0 Newcastle United 1
Arsenal free-kick in a central shooting position after a Joelinton foul on Partey. The midfielder stumbled before falling, leading to Newcastle complaints, but it costs Joelinton a booking.
08:40 PM GMT
40 minutes: Arsenal 0 Newcastle United 1
Arsenal have had chances in this first half, but Newcastle have earned that lead. They have looked the more dangerous side in general play. Arsenal with a heap of work to do now. They cannot afford to trail going into an away second leg.
08:38 PM GMT
GOOOAALLL! Isak gives Newcastle the lead
Uncharacteristically weak from the centre of Arsenal’s defence. Dubravka’s long ball forward was flicked on, Rice and Gabriel were on their heels, and Isak lifted the ball over Raya after some help from Murphy. Isak’s 50th Newcastle goal.
Who else but Alexander Isak?
Newcastle break the deadlock in North London! 💥 pic.twitter.com/Qv80CKvqAD— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) January 7, 2025
It felt like Arsenal were building momentum, and they certainly had their chances, but Isak was able to provide the killer touch that the home side have been missing. It’s a fortunate goal, for sure, but Isak deserves to be on the scoresheet for his start to this game
08:37 PM GMT
37 minutes: Arsenal 0 Newcastle United 0
Very good from Lewis Hall to keep the ball and win a free-kick under pressure from Trossard and Odgegaard. With Lewis-Skelly moving into midfield, it is forcing Rice quite high into attacking positions.
08:35 PM GMT
35 minutes: Arsenal 0 Newcastle United 0
Trossard a little lax in his defending there, allowing Hall and Newcastle to advance after that sticky few minutes. Arsenal funnel back into their 4-4-2 defensive shape though and shepherd the visitors away from danger. Rice penalised for handball after Raya seeks him out with a longer ball forward.
08:31 PM GMT
32 minutes: Arsenal 0 Newcastle United 0
Arsenal have the wind in their sails now. Odegaard’s shot deflects behind for a corner, and then there is pinball in the six-yard box after Dubravka is caught under Rice’s deliver. Arsenal looking dangerous from corners from that side. Martinelli has been involved in all their best attacks.
08:30 PM GMT
30 minutes: Arsenal 0 Newcastle United 0
Arsenal strike the post through Martinelli! By far their best move of the match as Trossard knocked a pass around the corner to free Martinelli against Burn, and he leaves him in the dust. One big touch to get the ball out of his feet, but his swept shot around Dubravka cannoned off the post.
Half an hour in and it feels like Arsenal are more fluid in attack than usual. Martinelli hitting the post from a central position, Trossard swapping wings, Havertz pulling out wide. Perhaps that’s Arteta’s latest solution to being without Saka.
Arsenal cut Newcastle open and Gabriel Martinelli thunders against the woodwork! 🤏 pic.twitter.com/pVm3LbZeCM
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) January 7, 2025
08:28 PM GMT
29 minutes: Arsenal 0 Newcastle United 0
A sign of Arsenal’s impatience that centre-back Gabriel steps on to the ball 25 yards out and pulls a shot wide. Odegaard has tried several flicks that have not quite found their intended target so far.
08:27 PM GMT
27 minutes: Arsenal 0 Newcastle United 0
Newcastle are looking to press Arsenal high, but Lewis-Skelly does well to roll away from a couple of challenges. Rice then finds space but misplaces a diagonal towards Trossard. Joelinton fouls Odegaard in midfield.
08:24 PM GMT
25 minutes: Arsenal 0 Newcastle United 0
Isak finding space in front of the Arsenal centre-backs again, and he spreads play beautifully to Murphy wide right. But Lewis-Skelly got back to block the cross. Newcastle corner. Isak was pulled back by Trossard but outside of the box. Rice heads the corner away.
08:23 PM GMT
22 minutes: Arsenal 0 Newcastle United 0
From the corner, Lewis-Skelly shows his dexterity in tight spaces but he mis-hits the pass towards Timber in the box. Livramento with a loose pass inside his own box, but Joelinton blocks Trossard’s shot. The home crowd sounding a bit peeved by the lack of sharpness among the forwards so far.
08:21 PM GMT
20 minutes: Arsenal 0 Newcastle United 0
Livramento and Martinelli down after the Newcastle right-back won the ball cleanly but followed through on the Arsenal winger. Rice and Martinelli rather let the ball run between them there. Both players will be fit to continue. Arsenal have another corner after Trossard’s cross is blocked by Willock.
08:18 PM GMT
18 minutes: Arsenal 0 Newcastle United 0
A few signs already of Arsenal lacking natural width on their right with Saka. Trossard had little choice but to try a diagonal towards Havertz which was too heavy. Aside from set-pieces, Arsenal are struggling to make in-roads so far, which sounds like the story of many of their games.
08:16 PM GMT
16 minutes: Arsenal 0 Newcastle United 0
Really nice from Isak to set the jet-heeled away from Timber but the red and white shirts flooded back to slow the move down. Arsenal need a bit more from Havertz and Trossard so far.
Then Newcastle go close. Isak spins down the right and bursts beyond Saliba in the one-on-one. The striker’s pass was just behind Gordon though, who would have had a tap in. Hall’s shot was blocked and then a poor Lewis-Skelly clearance fell to Tonali who blasted over the bar.
Not many players are able to dribble past William Saliba. So formidable is the Frenchman that, according to Ben White, the Arsenal players don’t even bother taking him on in training.
Alexander Isak fancies it, though, and he’s just torched Saliba down the right flank. Proper player.
08:13 PM GMT
13 minutes: Arsenal 0 Newcastle United 0
Newcastle have been very positive in their approach, but that does leave green grass for the likes of Martinelli to run into. Botman was struggling there as he tried to run back with the winger. His low cross is turned behind for a corner. Rice goes to the back post, and Dubravka was stranded but Timber got underneath the header.
08:11 PM GMT
11 minutes: Arsenal 0 Newcastle United 0
Arsenal cause some chaos from another set-piece, this time Odegaard’s free-kick from wide right. Martinelli saw a shot blocked before Burn flew himself at Saliba’s effort, which almost deflected to Havertz for a tap-in.
A let off of for the home side at the other end. Raya passed the ball straight to Livramento but Tonali’s attempted dinked pass was aimless.
08:08 PM GMT
8 minutes: Arsenal 0 Newcastle United 0
Newcastle are carrying a threat in the early stages. Isak drops off the Arsenal’s centre-backs to release Hall, and he shrugged off Trossard to deliver across the box. Saliba dealt with it. Then Livramento’s cross finds Gordon at the back post but a very difficult header loops harmlessly into Raya’s arms. Arsenal go down the other end and Gordon concedes a free-kick in a crossing position wide right. Plenty of cut and thrust to this game so far.
08:06 PM GMT
6 minutes: Arsenal 0 Newcastle United 0
Odegaard spins a pass out to Martinelli, but Burn heads the Arsenal left-winger’s cross away. Arsenal keep Newcastle penned in though, and Timber stands up a teasing cross to the back stick. Livramento heads behind for a corner with Martinelli lurking. It will one of Rice inswingers.
Decent delivery but Timber flicks a header behind for a goal kick.
08:03 PM GMT
4 minutes: Arsenal 0 Newcastle United 0
Gabriel with a sloppy pass into midfield but Murphy’s low cross is blocked by a red and white shirt. Lewis-Skelly is tucking into midfield alongside Partey. Scratchy pass inside from Martinelli and Havertz’s touch was heavy.
First half chance of the game then falls to Newcastle. Isak spins in behind Gabriel and pulls the ball back for Joelinton but he scooped his first-time attempt well over the bar.
08:01 PM GMT
2 minutes: Arsenal 0 Newcastle United 0
Newcastle try to gain some early territory from kick-off but Saliba wins a throw-in but flicking the ball off Joelinton. Arteta has sprung a slight surprise by picking Trossard on the right rather than Martinelli. Dubravka slices an early kick high into the air but Havertz concedes a foul.
08:00 PM GMT
KICK OFF!
Newcastle get the game under way as the home supporters belt out The Angel over kick-off.
07:57 PM GMT
The players are in the tunnel
Around 8,000 Newcastle fans in the Clock End. Naturally, with the second leg at St James’ Park it feels like there is more pressure on Arsenal to win tonight, and possibly by more than one goal.
07:49 PM GMT
The midfield battle
John Brooks will need to have his wits about him because there promise to be some intense physical battles in a midfield area featuring Joelinton, Sandro Tonali, Declan Rice and Thomas Partey.
07:43 PM GMT
Arteta’s pre-match thoughts
Great news [Havertz returning], we have missed a few players in the last few weeks. Big occasion, big game for us so looking forward to it.
The situations they can create, they can be dangerous in so many situations: short combinations, long counters, set-pieces.
I don’t think we deserved to lose that game at all [in November] but another chance today.
07:40 PM GMT
How the game could play out tactically
Newcastle’s right side is known as their least threatening, but that flank is Arsenal’s weakest from a defensive perspective with Lewis-Skelly and Trossard. With all eyes on Gordon and Isak, there could be space for Livramento and Murphy on the side.
It looks like Gabriel Martinelli will be starting in Bukayo Saka’s usual spot, a natural right-footer who could be forced down blind alleys. I wonder if Arteta will look to get Timber on his outside so the forward can test Dan Burn. Lewis-Skelly usually inverts which might push Rice into a higher role.
07:32 PM GMT
Eddie Howe on choosing Willock over Longstaff
Joe’s running capacity is his biggest strength, I think it can help us in and out of possession. His ability to hit the box is probably his stand-out attribute but hopefully he can help us find the right balance.
I don’t think we can play the same because only Bruno can do what Bruno can do, so we are going to have to adjust.
[On Botman coming back from injury] Sven is experienced enough to handle any situation, and I thought he handled himself impeccably against Tottenham and in the end had a really strong finish to the game.
07:26 PM GMT
Joelinton on missing his mate Bruno
It will be difficult. Everyone knows the quality what he brings to the team, he is our captain, but today we have to do it without him. We will give it our best.
07:16 PM GMT
‘Nasty Newcastle’ are back
With Howe’s assistant Jason Tindall possibly the biggest wind-up merchant in the Premier League and Joelinton barrelling into challenges, playing Newcastle is a bit like a ‘trip to the dentist’ to use a Guardiola-ism. In this piece, Luke Edwards looks at how Newcastle get under the skin of their opponents. Recent meetings against Arsenal have also been spicy.
07:08 PM GMT
Arsenal will be pleased to see Sterling back
Good news for Arsenal: Raheem Sterling is back. It was initially feared that his knee injury was serious but further tests came back with a more encouraging development. With Bukayo Saka out for months, Arsenal are going to need Sterling to step up and show some of his form of old. He’s on the bench tonight but you wouldn’t bet against him starting at the weekend against Manchester United.
07:06 PM GMT
Two very strong teams as expected
Just the one enforced change from Howe as Joe Willock comes in for the suspended Bruno Guimaraes. That is a more offensive selection than Sean Longstaff. Sven Botman has returned from a long-term injury at just the right time to replace the suspended Fabian Schar.
Arteta’s team is stronger than the one that started at Brighton. If he has taken a slight liberty, it is the selection of Myles Lewis-Skelly at left-back but Newcastle’s right flank is their weaker. Surprising that Gabriel Jesus starts on the bench given his glut of goals, but Arteta might be keen to have forward options on the bench after running out of steam at the Amex.
07:02 PM GMT
Arsenal team and subs: Timber, Odegaard and Havertz return
🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️
🔙 Timber returns from suspension
🪄 Trossard on the wing
🙌 Havertz leads the line
Let's show our character, Gunners ✊— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 7, 2025
07:01 PM GMT
Newcastle team and subs: Willock replaces suspended Bruno G
HOWAY THE LADS! ✊ pic.twitter.com/RYeRuXfJ6S
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) January 7, 2025
06:54 PM GMT
Also the night Thierry Henry lost it with Graham Poll
Laurent Robert at Highbury! 😍
🔙 #ARSNEW pic.twitter.com/CrBRQq4EkP— Newcastle United (@NUFC) January 7, 2025
06:48 PM GMT
Raheem Sterling looks to be back from injury
06:47 PM GMT
Howe on Newcastle staying the ‘right side of the line’
You always have to stand up for each other as long as it’s in a controlled way. I don’t want us to lose discipline in any way.
We have been pretty good with that this season. There is a line in terms of your behaviour that you don’t want to cross.
You don’t want to be reckless, but we have to be strong and resolute, and definitely protect each other on the pitch. Off the pitch, in terms of our conduct, it’s got to be again strong and resolute but not reckless.
06:43 PM GMT
Arteta speaking about Isak in his press conference
He’s a top player in top form scoring a lot of goals and we try to minimise the strength of the opposition. That’s a big part of the plan when we’re playing any opponent.
06:39 PM GMT
Mikel Arteta has arrived
Arsenal fans will be waiting to see if Kai Havertz has made it off his sickbed, but he was conspicuous by his absence from the club’s training pictures. Or was that just a ruse to mislead Newcastle?
06:36 PM GMT
A new addition to the VAR process tonight
For the first time in England, referee John Brooks will announce VAR decisions over Emirates Stadium’s public address system. It is also the first round of the League Cup to feature VAR. That worked in Arsenal’s favour against Crystal Palace, when Gabriel Jesus’ second goal would have been ruled out for offside.
Top referees have been training for more than a year in preparation for in-stadium announcements, including in empty arenas in Spain, ahead of its introduction to the English game tonight.
Telegraph Sport understands that officials have received specific language and communication training to help prepare them for the challenge of conveying their decisions to up to 60,000 people in this season’s Carabao Cup semi-finals.
Referees will be tasked with announcing their decisions over the stadium’s public address system after visiting the VAR pitchside monitor.
In-stadium announcements have been used in other sports and were introduced at the 2023 Women’s World Cup. They are regarded as another step towards greater transparency around the decision-making process in the professional game.
Telegraph Sport understands the preparations for the use of in-stadium announcements have included trialling communicating over the PA system in practice matches at empty stadiums. It was also a particular focus of a pre-season training camp in Spain.
Referees have also studied other sports in order to enhance their communication techniques, with the PGMOL accepting that addressing an entire stadium is a different task to talking to the players on the field.
As revealed by Telegraph Sport last month, elite referees now receive training on their language skills, which includes tailoring words to an official’s accent.
Dr Sue Jones, performance psychologist at the PGMOL, told Telegraph Sport last year: “The speed with which you are talking is a big one. Those are techniques we will look at. Did the referee become a bit shouty? A bit excited, in terms of volume? If we keep a slower voice and calmer tone, we get our message across better.
“Some accents are more excitable and higher-pitched than others. We might say to a referee: ‘For you, this particular phrase might work better.’ That could mean using more words to elongate your sentence, rather than using one quick word.”
Only the final decision will be communicated to supporters during the trial, rather than conversations between the on-field officials and the VAR.
06:31 PM GMT
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06:30 PM GMT
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06:29 PM GMT
Newcastle have the striker Arsenal crave in renewal of spiky confrontation
Carabao Cup ties involving the big clubs usually bring introspection about the appropriate level of rotation, but with Newcastle United looking to end a 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy and Arsenal depleted neither manager has much scope for change.
Newcastle have won six consecutive Premier League games to propel themselves into Champions League contention, and with no European commitments this season Eddie Howe can throw everything at this semi-final. Since winning the 1955 FA Cup, Newcastle have lost five domestic cup finals, most recently in this competition in 2023.
Howe’s team might be missing Bruno Guimaraes and Fabian Schar owing to suspension, but in Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak Newcastle possess probably the best two forwards on the pitch at the Emirates this evening.
They also have a strong recent record against Arsenal, winning three of the last four league games at St James’ Park and holding Mikel Arteta’s side to a goalless draw in north London two years ago.
That night - when Arsenal felt Newcastle were guilty of egregious time-wasting - was the start of a fractious relationship between the teams and benches, featuring dubious goals and some wild challenges.
Newcastle usually approach games with a front-footed, aggressive approach but with a home second leg to follow it could pay to keep things tight.
Arsenal remain a robust unit, having not lost since November 6. The question is whether they have sufficient firepower, which was a concern even before they lost Buyako Saka for months. Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz were not well enough to start against Brighton, and Arteta desperately needs them back to full health.
The player the Arsenal manager really needs is starting up front for the opposition tonight, but Newcastle are confident of rebuffing any interest for Isak.
Full team news on the way shortly.
