Newcastle United took a big step towards the Carabao Cup final on Tuesday night by beating Arsenal 2-0 in the first leg of their semi-final.
Arsenal failed to carve out plenty of chances in the first half at the Emirates Stadium, but came close to taking the lead through Gabriel Martinelli, a speedy winger who raced towards goal and hit his effort against the post.
But Newcastle were first on the side, and the relentless Alexander Isak scored his fifth consecutive match in all competitions. A free-kick eventually found its way to the 25-year-old after touches from Sven Botman and Jacob Murphy, and the red-hot marksman converted in style from close range.
The Magpies grabbed a significant second just six minutes into the restart as Anthony Gordon was quickest to react to Isak’s deflected shot, sliding into the unguarded net after beating Jurrien Timber to the ball.
Kai Havertz missed Arsenal’s best chance to get on the scoresheet when he mistimed a free-kick from six yards, leaving the Gunners with the unenviable task of overturning a two-goal deficit during the second leg at St James’ Park in early February.
*Ratings are provided by FotMob*
|
Player |
Evaluation |
|---|---|
|
GK: David Ray |
6.6/10 |
|
RB: Jurrien Timber |
6.6/10 |
|
CB: William Saliba |
6.5/10 |
|
CB: Gabriel |
6.3/10 |
|
LB: Myles Lewis-Skelly |
6.1/10 |
|
CM: Martin Odegaard |
6.4/10 |
|
CM: Thomas Partey |
6.7/10 |
|
CM: Declan Rice |
7.8/10 |
|
RW: Leandro Trossard |
7.0/10 |
|
ST: Kai Havertz |
5.9/10 |
|
LW: Gabriel Martinelli |
6.5/10 |
|
UNDER: Jorginho (59′ for Partey) |
7.0/10 |
|
UNDER: Gabriel Jesus (59′ for Trossard) |
5.8/10 |
|
UNDER: Oleksandr Zinchenko (78′ for Lewis-Skelly) |
6.8/10 |
Subs not used: Jack Porter (GK), Jakub Kiwior, Kieran Tierney, Riccardo Calafiori, Mikel Merino, Raheem Sterling.
*Ratings are provided by FotMob*
|
Player |
Evaluation |
|---|---|
|
GK: Martin Dubravka |
8.3/10 |
|
RB: Tino Livramento |
7.5/10 |
|
CB: Sven Botman |
7.6/10 |
|
CB: Dan Burn |
7.2/10 |
|
LB: Lewis Hall |
7.0/10 |
|
CM: Joe Willock |
6.4/10 |
|
CM: Sandro Tonali |
7.7/10 |
|
CM: Joelinton |
6.6/10 |
|
RW: Jacob Murphy |
7.4/10 |
|
ST: Alexander Isak |
8.1/10 |
|
LW: Anthony Gordon |
7.7/10 |
|
UNDER: Sean Longstaff (65′ for Willock) |
6.4/10 |
|
UNDER: Harvey Barnes (65′ for Isak) |
6.4/10 |
|
UNDER: Lloyd Kelly (65′ for Murphy) |
6.3/10 |
|
UNDER: Miguel Almiron (76′ for Gordon) |
6.1/10 |
Subs not used: Odysseas Vlachodimos (GK), Kieran Trippier, Matt Targett, Lewis Miley, William Osula.
Player of the match – Martin Dubravka (Newcastle)
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