3 Positives and 3 Negatives to take from Newcastle 2 Arsenal 0

The Mag

·7 février 2025

3 Positives and 3 Negatives to take from Newcastle 2 Arsenal 0

Wednesday night’s match ended Newcastle 2 Arsenal 0.

Ahead of each game we ask one of our writers to come up with three positives and three negatives following the game.

Vidéos OneFootball

An interesting night at St James’ Park…

Plenty to talk about after this one.

On this occasion it is David Punton:

POSITIVES

We did it

We’ve coasted through that semi-final marathon.

It’s very un-Newcastle, but Arsenal barely laid a glove on us over two legs, we thoroughly deserve our place in next month’s Wembley showpiece.

To get to another final is massive for the club. It validates the direction of the project, even if there are bumps in the road, mainly in the form of PSR.

Fans have the day/weekend in London, on the beer, and a possibility of bringing a cup back to Tyneside.

Manager, players, staff, and supporters have all played their part. The atmosphere for this game was unreal. A neutral messaged me and said he thought he was watching the San Siro.

A word for Arteta, too. Made himself look a numpty with the comments about the ball. He’s a poor diplomat and seemed to have no idea over both games. An angry man and a sore loser. You love to see it.

Tactical beast

Eddie got the game plan spot on. Cannot really fault it.

The five at the back did raise eyebrows, but the pressing with Schar really paid off, it seemed to catch Arteta napping, not to mention the Arsenal back four.

It’s often said there aren’t enough English managers in the elite bracket but just maybe Howe is knocking on that door.

Can he now go one better and somehow come up with a game plan to beat Liverpool in the final? We’re due a win against them.

Top marks but three stand out

Everyone was brilliant. Everyone played their part. It was a superb effort and a thoroughly professional job against one of the big cartel clubs.

Kieron Trippier rolled back the years with a commanding display at right back. Tripps was well up for this when Howe opted to rest Tino after the Fulham game.

All of Trippier’s knowledge and experience came to the fore. He led the team, got under Arsenal’s skin, worked his tail off, and generally did everything right.

He, Botman and Isak were standouts, but also Tonali, Gordon, Murphy. Everyone was class. Dubravka barely had a save to make.

NEGATIVES (Are there any…?)

Declan Rice

An annoying workie ticket who attempted to nobble Bruno.

Knee bother

Botman had a knee concern after the game. Howe has since confirmed it turns out it’s his other knee, not the ACL one, and it’s not that serious. Let’s hope and pray he will be okay soon.

Stadium debate in focus

I may get pelters for mentioning the stadium debate but here goes.

When I looked at what SJP generated on Wednesday night it struck me what an absolute wrench it will be if we end up leaving and the old place gets pulled down.

When we’re in full voice it’s a immense football arena.

And finally…

The final is on March 16 and is going to be a great day out.

The one minor problem: we have to play Liverpool, one of the best sides in Europe.

Newcastle 2 Arsenal 0 (4-0 on aggregate) – Wednesday 5 February 8pm

(Stats via BBC Sport)

Goals:

Newcastle United:

Murphy 19, Gordon 52

Arsenal:

(In brackets the half-time stats)

Possession was Newcastle 32% (31%) Arsenal 68% (69%)