Newcastle United reach Carabao Cup 2024/25 final with Arsenal demolition
What's the story
Newcastle United have reached the Carabao Cup final for the second time in three seasons.
The Magpies registered a comfortable 2-0 win over Arsenal in the semi-final second leg, winning 4-0 on aggregate.
Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon scored the winning goals, taking Newcastle's lead from their first-leg clash at the Emirates on January 7.
Match highlights
Newcastle's path to Wembley: A recap of the semi-final
The match started with Newcastle on fire at St James's Park. Alexander Isak, who scored 14 goals in his last 13 games, slipped past the Arsenal defense and scored with a powerful finish.
However, Murphy capitalized on an opportunity to score into an empty net after Arsenal thought they had averted danger.
The first half ended on a bitter note for Arsenal as Gabriel Martinelli was replaced by Ethan Nwaneri due to a hamstring injury.
Decisive moment
Gordon's goal seals Newcastle's victory over Arsenal
The second half of the match witnessed Gordon attempt a daring shot from 40 yards out after stealing the ball from Saliba.
His shot narrowly missed the left-hand post but it wasn't long before he found success.
A mistake by Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, who lost possession to Fabian Schar, allowed Gordon to score low into the bottom-left corner.
This goal dashed any remaining hopes for Arsenal and confirmed Newcastle's path to Wembley on March 16.
Upcoming match
Newcastle await Carabao Cup final opponents
Newcastle now await their opponents for the Carabao Cup final, either Tottenham or Liverpool.
The two teams are set to face off in the other semi-final second leg on Thurdsay night.
The upcoming match will determine who Newcastle will compete against at Wembley on March 16, as they seek to end a 70-year wait for a major trophy.
Information
Here are the match stats
Arsenal had 10 attempts with three shots on target. The Gunners also had three shots on target from 11 attempts. Arsenal dominated ball possession (69%). Arsenal had 39 touches in the opposition box compared to Newcastle's 10.
Opta stats
Key records made by Newcastle
As mentioned, Newcastle have reached their second Carabao Cup final in the last three seasons (also 2022/23). This is more than they managed in their first 62 participations in the competition beforehand (one in 1975-76).
Newcastle's Gordon has scored three goals against Arsenal in all competitions - his joint-most against a club side in his career (level with Manchester United).