Newcastle bank EFL Cup semi-final first leg win over Arsenal | OneFootball

Newcastle United have taken a massive step towards an EFL Cup Final appearance after a 2-0 away win against Premier League title chasers Arsenal at the Emirates.

Scorers: Isak 38', Gordon 51'

As a side coming into tonight's critical meeting in North London, the Magpies once again showed their credentials as they look to re-establish themselves as one of the leading lights on the English footballing landscape.

The best chances of the opening 15 minutes fell to the home side after Arsenal pushed for a critical opener against a side in terrific form of late.

First, Kai Havertz nearly pounced on a loose ball in the box just before the 10-minute mark, which was followed up by Jurriën Timber heading over the bar from inside six yards less than four minutes later.

Newcastle mustered a few halfway decent chances of their own while showing real intent to take their chances away from Tyneside before the return leg.

Gabriel Martinelli should have put Arsenal one-nil up when presented with a one-on-one chance against Martin Dúbravka in the 30th minute after being put through on goal, but the Brazilian could only raddle the post with his effort.

Swedish hitman Alexander Isak would make the Gunners pay for it soon after, however, when he opened the scoring in the 38th minute after Arsenal fell asleep at the back before he converted a close-range effort past David Raya.

Eddie Howe's men wrestled full control of the tie six minutes after the restart thanks to Anthony Gordon when the England international tapped home Isak's parried effort, beating Timber to the rebound to set the Magpies away.

Coming to a ground where they have historically struggled over the years, a clean sheet and a trip back north will do just fine for the traveling Geordie army, while Arsenal fans will no doubt be left frustrated after failing to convert the chances they were given.

The Magpies go into Sunday's FA Cup tie against Bromley at St. James' Park full of confidence, while Arsenal will do well to be wary of their tricky clash with rivals Manchester United as a tough run of fixtures heats up for the Gunners.

📸 GLYN KIRK - AFP or licensors