Newcastle United took a major step toward ending their 56-year wait for a major trophy by securing a place in the Carabao Cup final with victory over Arsenal on an emotional night at St. James’ Park.
Eddie Howe’s side, holding a 2-0 lead from the first leg, completed the job to book a Wembley showdown against either Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur. They now stand one win away from their first major triumph since lifting the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1969.
Newcastle started strongly, with Alexander Isak having a goal disallowed for offside before Jacob Murphy broke the deadlock in the 19th minute. Murphy slotted home the rebound after Isak’s initial effort struck the post, just moments after Martin Odegaard squandered Arsenal’s best opportunity by glancing the post with only goalkeeper Martin Dubravka to beat.
In a raucous atmosphere, the Magpies delivered the decisive blow in the 52nd minute following a costly error from Arsenal’s goalkeeper David Raya. Attempting to pick out Declan Rice, Raya’s pass was intercepted by Fabian Schar, who set up Anthony Gordon for a simple finish, sending Newcastle back to Wembley.
With memories of their EFL Cup final defeat to Manchester United two years ago still fresh, Newcastle will be eager to end their long wait for domestic silverware, having last won the FA Cup in 1955.
