In what was a fiery affair from St. James’ Park on Wednesday night, Newcastle stormed their way to a Wembley return as they claimed another 2-0 win against Arsenal.
Springing a real upset in north London last month as they got their semi-final adventure underway with a 2-0 victory at the Emirates, Eddie Howe’s men were sat firmly in the driving seat heading into Wednesday’s showdown.
While striking sensational Alexander Isak might have seen his early strike ruled out by VAR, the Magpies widened their advantage after 19 minutes as Jacob Murphy tapped home.
With Murphy’s opener coming just second after Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard wasted a golden opportunity, all of the momentum felt that it was with Newcastle.
Bagged by an emotional home support at St. James’ Park, the Magpies put the cherry on top of the cake just seven minuets after the restart as England international Anthony Gordon completed a famous romp.
Newcastle will now travel to Wembley on March 16th when they meet either Tottenham or Liverpool for the chance to get their hands on a first piece of silverware in 56 years.
As for Arsenal, despite claiming what was an essential boost over the past few weeks, the Gunners came crashing back down to earth in some style here and face what could be a public backlash.
On a night when Newcastle took a giant leap towards ending their 56-year trophy drought, we have taken a look at the main talking points from St. James’ Park.
Newcastle claim an empathic boost
Although Newcastle might have returned to St. James’ Park on Wednesday night holding a two-goal advantage, it always felt that Howe’s side would face a stern examination here.
Suffering a collapse on home soil last weekend as they eventually fell to a 2-1 loss at home against Fulham, the Magpies had shown some issues over the past fortnight.
Coming under real scrutiny on January 18th as they fell to an infamous 4-1 drumming against Bournemouth, all signs were pointing towards another nail-biting affair on Wednesday.
However, despite suffering consecutive Premier League defeats at St. James’ Park for the first time since January 2024, Newcastle were a more than worth winner over both legs and will travel to Wembley with the mood in their camp at a real high.
Collecting a heavyweight scalp here and sending a statement to both Tottenham and Liverpool, Newcastle will turn their attention back to FA Cup duties this weekend when they travel to League One outfit Birmingham.
Major frustration for Arsenal and Arteta
While Arsenal might have travelled to St. James’ Park on Wednesday night chasing a two-goal deficit, the Gunners certainly felt that they could produce a sensational comeback outside of north London.
However, despite storming their way to a famous 5-1 romp against Manchester City last weekend and enjoying a four-match winning run across all competitions, Arteta’s side came crashing back down to earth here.
Watching their FA Cup adventure come to an abrupt end last month as they suffered penalties heartbreak at the hands of historic rivals Manchester United, Arsenal are now facing the prospect of ending the 2024/25 campaign without a single piece of silverware to show for their troubles.
Still sat six points adrift of runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool and with the Reds holding a game in hand, Wednesday’s guests could face a potential backlash in north London.
With sections of the travelling support making their frustrations clear at the full-time whistle, Arsenal will be next seen on February 15th when they travel to relegation scrappers Leicester.
Gordon underlines his importance
While the red-hot Isak might have continued to steal plenty of the headlines around St. James’ Park this season, Newcastle’s other attacking talisman is enjoying his own flurry.
Putting pen to paper on a new long-term deal with the Magpies back in October, Gordon has only further underlined his importance to Howe’s squad.
Bagging Newcastle’s second strike of the night here and sending the St. James’ support into overdrive after returning from the half-time break, the former Everton starlet has enjoyed a real purple patch on either side of opening the New Year.
Finding the net in both of Newcastle’s semi-final showdowns over the past month, Gordon has now registered is goals in his previous 10 appearances across all competitions.
Forming what has become a clinical partnership with Isak, the England international will certainly have another leading role to play when Howe’s squad travel to Wembley on March 16th.
Match Report
Newcastle: Dubravka, Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn, Hall, Murphy, Guimaraes, Tonali, Gordon, Isak
Subs: Willock, Wilson, Miley, Longstaff, Krafth
Arsenal: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly, Partey, Rice, Odegaard, Martinelli, Trossard, Havertz
Subs: Calafiori, Jorginho, Sterling, Merino, Nwaneri
Goals: Murphy (19’), Gordon (52’)
Yellow Cards: Newcastle: Schar, Guimaraes – Arsenal: Havertz, Saliba, Sterling
Red Cards: N/A
Referee: Simon Hooper
