Murphy and Gordon Fire Newcastle to Second Carabao Cup Final in Three Years

Newcastle delivered a statement performance as they dispatched Arsenal 2-0 on the night, securing a commanding 4-0 aggregate win to book their place in the Carabao Cup final.

The Magpies came into this second leg with a two-goal cushion thanks to strikes from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon in the first meeting. That left the Gunners needing an early goal to make the tie competitive, but what unfolded at St James’ Park was a night of frustration and missed opportunities for Mikel Arteta’s men, while Newcastle showcased their hunger and determination to end a 70-year trophy drought. 

Arsenal’s mission was clear: take the initiative, silence the home crowd, and claw their way back into the contest. But things got off to a nightmare start for them, as Newcastle appeared to have struck first inside just six minutes. Isak capitalized on a well-worked move and found the back of the net, sending St. James’ Park into raptures. However, after a lengthy VAR check, the goal was ruled out. A momentary sigh of relief for Arsenal, but a clear warning that they were in for a long night. 

Despite that early scare, the visitors tried to find their rhythm and push forward. Martin Ødegaard came agonizingly close to shifting the momentum in Arsenal’s favor in the 18th minute. After a beautifully worked move, the Norwegian rifled an effort towards goal, only to see it cannon off the post. But just seconds later, Newcastle were on the counterattack, and Isak once again proved to be the biggest menace on the pitch. The Swedish forward struck the post himself, but unlike Arsenal’s misfortune, the rebound fell perfectly into the path of Jacob Murphy, who made no mistake in burying the ball into the back of the net. 

Newcastle’s 1-0 lead on the night and 3-0 aggregate advantage left Arsenal shell-shocked. Arteta’s men simply couldn’t cope with the physicality and relentless energy of the Magpies. The Gunners lacked fluency in the final third, struggling to carve out any real openings as Newcastle pressed aggressively and closed down space with ruthless efficiency. The first half ended with Arsenal still searching for inspiration, and while they were fortunate to be only 1-0 down, the tie already felt like it was slipping away from them. If there was any hope that an Arteta halftime rallying cry would spark a turnaround, it was swiftly extinguished just seven minutes after the restart. Arsenal were the architects of their own downfall this time, as David Raya’s blunder handed Newcastle their second goal of the night. Under pressure from Newcastle’s press, the Arsenal goalkeeper hesitated in possession, allowing Gordon to pounce and finish clinically. 

At 4-0 on aggregate, Arsenal’s mountain had become insurmountable. They needed something spectacular to even dream of a comeback, but instead, they looked resigned to their fate. Meanwhile, Newcastle controlled proceedings expertly. Eddie Howe’s men were disciplined in their defensive shape, limiting Arsenal’s attacking threats. Any time Arsenal attempted to push forward, they found themselves swarmed by black-and-white shirts. Newcastle’s display wasn’t just about defensive solidity; it was a showcase of a team that believed this was their moment. They dominated the physical battles, worked tirelessly off the ball, and when they attacked, they did so with purpose. Bruno Guimarães orchestrated the midfield with intelligence, while Isak and Gordon stretched Arsenal’s backline at every opportunity. 

Arsenal, on the other hand, looked devoid of ideas. Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri were ineffective on the wings, unable to create space against Newcastle’s resolute defense. Ødegaard’s early glimpse of magic aside, he was well-marshalled in midfield, and without a true focal point in attack, Arsenal lacked a cutting edge. Their struggles in front of goal highlighted the glaring need for reinforcements in January, and failure to act in the transfer market already appears to be a costly mistake. As the final whistle blew, Newcastle players and fans alike celebrated a well-earned victory. This was more than just a win; it was a declaration of intent. The Magpies are on the cusp of ending a seven-decade-long trophy drought, and their journey to the final has been a testament to their resilience and growth under Eddie Howe. With either Spurs or Liverpool awaiting them at Wembley, Newcastle will head into the final brimming with confidence. 

For Arsenal, the loss stings deeply. Having already been knocked out of the FA Cup, their domestic cup ambitions have crumbled in the space of a few weeks. More concerningly, their lack of attacking firepower and inability to rise to the occasion in big moments is becoming a recurring theme. With the Premier League and Champions League still to play for, Arteta will need to find answers quickly if his side wants to avoid another season of near misses. 

On a cold night in Newcastle, the Magpies soared, while the Gunners faltered. This wasn’t just a defeat for Arsenal; it was a reminder that Newcastle are no longer outsiders—they are a force to be reckoned with.