*** Magpies to Wembley Again: Newcastle Crush Arsenal to Reach League Cup Final | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

Magpies to Wembley Again: Newcastle Crush Arsenal to Reach League Cup Final

TDT | Manama

Email : hussianm@newsofbahrain.com

Newcastle United punched their ticket to Wembley in emphatic fashion, dismantling Arsenal 2-0 at a raucous St. James’ Park on Wednesday night to seal a commanding 4-0 aggregate victory in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.

Early Breakthrough, Total Domination

With the Gunners desperate to overturn their two-goal first-leg deficit, Martin Ødegaard squandered a golden chance to spark an Arsenal revival, slicing his shot against the post in the 18th minute. Within moments, Newcastle made them pay. Alexander Isak’s curling effort clattered off the woodwork, and Jacob Murphy pounced on the rebound, keeping his composure to slot home from a tight angle.

From there, the Geordie faithful could sense history in the making. Arsenal, uncharacteristically out of sorts, struggled to muster a response, and their night went from bad to worse in the 52nd minute when Anthony Gordon capitalized on a defensive lapse. The winger intercepted David Raya’s careless pass, coolly dispatching a first-time finish to put Newcastle firmly in the driver’s seat.

Newcastle One Step from Glory

The result means Newcastle will contest their second League Cup final in three seasons, hoping to erase the heartbreak of their 2023 defeat to Manchester United. They now await the winner of Liverpool vs. Tottenham, with Spurs holding a slender 1-0 lead heading into Thursday’s second leg.

For Arsenal, the defeat not only ends their cup dreams but also raises fresh concerns. Injuries to Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, and Bukayo Saka leave Mikel Arteta’s side vulnerable as they refocus on their Premier League title chase. 

But for Newcastle, this was a night of unbridled joy—a step closer to their first major silverware since 1955. And with the way they swept Arsenal aside, they’ll head to Wembley believing they can finally end that long wait.