Arsenal lost 2-0 to Newcastle in the first leg of the League Cup semi-final. The Magpies extended their strong run and ended that of the Londoners.
This semi-final first leg pitted two very strong teams against each other. Arsenal had not been beaten in 13 competitive games (nine wins, four draws) after drawing 1-1 with Brighton on Saturday. Newcastle, on the other hand, had already won their sixth competitive game in a row with a 2-1 victory over Tottenham.
In a fast-paced game at the Emirates Stadium, both teams sought the offensive in the first half. Although the Gunners had more shots on target, the visitors from Newcastle scored the goal to take a 1-0 lead at half-time: a long ball ended up with Isak via Murphy, who hit the bottom of the crossbar from close range (37′).
The second half began perfectly for the Magpies – and Isak was once again instrumental: His shot on the left was parried to the left by Arsenal keeper Raya, where Gordon was waiting to score into the empty net (51′). Since the Gunners left too much on the pitch that day, it remained 0-2 from the perspective of the hosts.
This means that the Londoners naturally have an extremely difficult task ahead of them in the second leg in Newcastle on February 5 (9 p.m.). The Magpies, on the other hand, have one foot in the final and celebrated their seventh win in a row. Arsenal’s winning streak, on the other hand, has been broken.
Arsenal’s next cup game is already scheduled for Sunday. The Gunners host Manchester United in the third round of the FA Cup at 4 p.m. Newcastle is playing at home against fourth-tier side Bromley at the same time.
