It’s Do or Die for Arsenal in Carabao Cup Semifinal Against Newcastle
Arsenal face a must-win situation on Wednesday night (8 pm) as they travel to Newcastle United, trailing 2-0 from the first leg of their Carabao Cup semifinal. The Gunners are looking to overturn the deficit and reach their first final in the competition since 2018.
A month ago, goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon gave the Magpies a significant advantage heading into the home leg. While Newcastle have beaten Arsenal at St. James’ Park in back-to-back seasons, the hosts have lost their last two games on Tyneside, perhaps with one eye on this game as they aim to end a 55-year wait for a major trophy.
Only two teams in the history of the League Cup have overcome a home defeat in the first leg to reach the final, and Arsenal were the last to do so in the 1986/87 season. Their 5-1 success against Manchester City coupled with winning by three or more goals in three of their last eight away games suggests they have the firepower to turn this tie around.
The First Leg
In a game packed with chances, Gabriel Martinelli struck the post with the scores at 0-0, but Isak broke the deadlock on 37 minutes after Martin Dubravka’s long free-kick was inadvertently nudged into his path. Just five minutes into the second half, Gordon doubled Newcastle’s lead, and the Magpies held on to give Arsenal plenty to do in the return leg.
Home Woes for Howe
Since winning their first match at Emirates Stadium since 2010 a month ago, Newcastle stretched their winning run to a joint-club record nine matches. However, that run came to a halt with a 4-1 defeat to Bournemouth at St. James’ Park, followed by a 2-1 loss to Fulham on Saturday, their first successive home defeats in a year.
Recently, this competition has been fruitful for the Geordies, who have lost just one of their last 16 League Cup matches – the 2023 final when they were beaten by Manchester United. Nottingham Forest, AFC Wimbledon, and Chelsea were knocked out on this season’s run before the success against Brentford and the first-leg victory over Arsenal.
What the Managers Say
Arteta: “The boost the game against City gave us, the manner that we won it, and the fact that it is a game in the competition where we are closest to a final, so we’re going to give it a real go.”
Howe: “We have to approach the game in a really positive and aggressive way. We are in a good position and need to make the most of every opportunity.”
Talking Tactics
Newcastle’s combative central midfield, led by Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, and Sandro Tonali, will be key to their chances of holding onto their lead. The Magpies’ aggressive tactics in recent matches at St. James’ Park have disrupted Arsenal’s flow and forced them into hopeful crosses.
Arteta’s side will need to match Newcastle’s intensity and press high to disrupt the hosts’ build-up play. Tracking Isak’s movement and denying him space will also be crucial to Arsenal’s chances of securing a vital clean sheet.
Team News
While Neto will be cup-tied, Mikel Arteta has no new injury concerns, with Bukayo Saka, Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Gabriel Jesus still sidelined. Newcastle, meanwhile, could be without Joelinton, Harvey Barnes, and Jamaal Lascelles, but Bruno Guimaraes, Nick Pope, Fabian Schar, and Emil Krafth have all returned since the first leg.
Match Officials
Simon Hooper has been appointed as the referee for this semifinal, and he has been a good omen for Arsenal this season, with the Gunners winning all three matches he has officiated. The two legs of this game and the other semifinal between Liverpool and Tottenham will also see a new VAR system trialed, with the on-field referee explaining decisions to the crowd via the PA system when using the pitchside monitor.
Recent Trips to the Toon
Arsenal’s recent visits to St. James’ Park have been a mixed bag, with Isak’s header sealing a 1-0 win for Newcastle in November, while the Gunners claimed a 2-0 victory last May as they pushed for the title.
