Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur now know the rival that is waiting for them in the Carabao Cup final.
The first of the semi-finals wrapped up on Wednesday, with Newcastle United beating Arsenal by 4-0 on aggregate to book a spot in the big game at Wembley next month. Newcastle came away from the Emirates with a two-goal victory four weeks ago and repeated that scoreline once again in front of a raucous St James’ Park atmosphere.
The Magpies, who lost in the 2023 final, have never won the Carabao Cup and have waited 70 years to win a major trophy. Unsurprisingly, with the opportunity to end that wait so close, Newcastle fans whipped up a febrile atmosphere in order to overcome the side that just three days ago netted five against the reigning champions.
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The players responded, and within minutes of kick-off, the irrepressible Alexander Isak fastened onto an Anthony Gordon through ball and powered his shot beyond David Raya. The joy was short-lived, though, as VAR disallowed the goal, a decision that was explained aloud to the hostile crowd.
However, it was of little consequence and 12 minutes later the hosts did manage to find a goal to settle the nerves. Again Isak was at the heart of it as he spun William Saliba, advanced at goal and then let loose. His excellent strike struck the post and a sliding Jacob Murphy managed to convert the rebound at the second attempt.
Just seconds before, Martin Odegaard’s shot had hit the post, undoubtedly the turning point of the match. Had Arsenal scored, it could have been a very different night. Instead, it always felt like Newcastle was in control as it sat deep, absorbed the pressure and launched devastating attacks on the break.
But when the second goal came, it was gifted to the hosts by a slack Arsenal defense. Raya’s pass to Declan Rice was intercepted at the edge of the box by Fabian Schar, and two touches later, Gordon had doubled the advantage on the night. Four goals ahead on aggregate, two on the night, there was no coming back from this, no matter the talent in Mikel Arteta’s ranks.
The final 30 minutes was feisty in the North East, and resulted in more bookings than genuine goalscoring chances.
Newcastle's lead never looked in doubt, and when the full-time whistle sounded, it was greeted by jubilant scenes from a fanbase desperately hoping this was their year at last. Liverpool or Tottenham may have different plans.
The Magpies will discover on Thursday night who they will meet under the arches in mid-March. As Que Sera, sera reverberated around the ground afterward, some fans may have already been thinking about that match at Anfield in 24 hours. Whatever happens, the victors know it will have a huge challenge to overcome in five weeks' time.
