AFCON 2025
Arsenal’s hopes of winning a title this season took another hit as Newcastle knocked them out of the EFL Cup.
The Toon Army won 2-0 in the return fixture at St. James’ Park on Wednesday, rounding off both legs with a 4-0 aggregate score.
Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon scored in the first and second halves, respectively, to completely put the game out of reach for the Gunners.
The Gunners came into the match high on confidence after their 5-1 demolition of Manchester City on Sunday.
However, Newcastle stifled Mikel Arteta’s men as they struggled to operate in the final third.
The Magpies set up in a 5-4-1 formation, denying Arsenal the opportunity to find spaces behind the midfield.
Newcastle started the match as the better side and took the lead after four minutes. Unfortunately, Alexander Isak’s goal was ruled out for offside.
The Swedish striker came close to scoring again in the 19th minute. His shot beat David Raya but crashed against the left post.
Jacob Murphy eventually gave Newcastle the lead moments later as his low-driven shot hit the right post before finding the back of the net.
Leandro Trossard had Arsenal’s best chance of the half when he fired a shot towards the middle of the goal, but Martin Dubravka made a good save.
David Raya made a howler a few minutes into the second half, and Anthony Gordon took advantage to double the lead for the home side.
Newcastle conceded possession to Arsenal but kept their shape for the entirety of the second half.
Declan Rice came close to scoring a consolation late in the match, but once again, Dubravka put the ball out of danger.
The match ended 2-0 on the night and 4-0 on aggregate as Newcastle await the winner between Liverpool and Tottenham on Thursday.
