Newcastle 2-0 Arsenal (4-0): Toon off to Wembley as Howe humbles Arteta!

An electric night at St James’ Park and an incredible display from Eddie Howe's Mags as we booked our place in March’s Carabao Cup final following a 4-0 aggregate win over Arsenal.

The lads did us proud, the atmosphere was superb, Eddie Howe outthought Arteta (again) and we players outfought and outclassed an Arsenal side who were bullied from start to finish. 

For all the pre-match anxiety, the team gave us nothing to worry about on the night, delivering a titanic display from start to finish and tactical masterclass as goals from Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon sent us through.

Joelinton (knee) missed out and Howe changed system, bringing in Botman and Trippier as part of a back five, meaning Livramento missed out. A surprise change in system, but perhaps one to add height to our side in big Joe’s absence - and it worked an absolute treat!

After ACDC’s Thunderstruck and Jonny Blue Hat’s superb rendition of local hero before kick-off the scene was well and truly set. St James’ Park was absolutely rocking and the team responded.

The first half was perfection. An electric atmosphere, a goal (almost two!), high intensity, rock solid defending and a team bullying Arsenal all over the pitch as we won our duels and took our charge to counter every time we turned over the ball.

After Isak’s opener was ruled out after a lengthy VAR check, we could’ve gone into our shells but did anything but, responding with a goal that would not be chalked off as Murphy tapped in from Isak’s one-on-one effort that struck the post. 1-0 Newcastle and 3-0 in the tie!

The back five was met with a very mixed reaction online an hour before kick off, but it worked perfectly in frustrating Arsenal, as Botman bullied Havertz in a monstrous first half display from the big Dutchman, who made one massive block, won everything in the air and showed real composure in playing out from the back.

Trippier was strong in the air and didn’t give Trossard an inch, Burn made one superb challenge to deny Nwanieri before the break, Tonali was everywhere and put in a huge shift alongside Bruno in big Joe’s absence.

The second half was the same story and it only got worse for the Gunners as we soon made it 2-0 on night and 4-0 in the tie. More brilliant pressing and a Gordon goal to send the Gallowgate wild before he and Bruno celebrated by waving black and white scarves thrown on by fans! The fact Schar picked Rice's pocket from Raya's short goal kick summed up our brave and bold approach on the night, setting up Gordon for a simple tap in. 

Arsenal could not find a way past the black and white wall facing Arteta’s blunt attack, with our centre-backs continuing to bully Havertz and our effort levels summed up by Gordon’s relentless recovery run to shepherd the ball out of play. 4-0 up on aggregate and the game all but done with 20 minutes left, yet we were still sprinting for every ball and winning every fight.

There were so many huge performances on the night. Botman was the pick of our centre-back (who were all excellent) and didn't put a foot wrong, Trippier was outstanding and got right into their faces - quite literally at times - and Gordon never stopped, causing Arsenal havoc at both ends with his endless energy, pace and direct dribbling.

A priceless moment in the second half saw the St James' Park crowd chant 'MIKEL ARTETA, IT MUST BE THE BALL.' This was his laughable 'excuse' after their first leg defeat at the Emirates and one we didn't forget!

Howe made a few late changes as Krafth, Willock, Longstaff and Wilson all came on for Botman - who has a knock to his knee - Tonali, Bruno and Isak, helping ease to another emphatic win over Arteta's Arsenal.

14 years ago today, Cheick Tiote scored THAT goal in a 4-4 draw with Arsenal. Tonight, his son walked out with Bruno before we beat Arsenal to reach the Carabao Cup final. Your dad did you proud, Rafael!

A magical night and truly magnificent performance from all involved. Next stop, Birmingham City away in the FA Cup before a trip to Man City next weekend.

WE'RE GOING TO WEMBLEY!

Starting XI: (5-2-3) Dubravka – Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn, Hall – Bruno, Tonali – Murphy, Isak, Gordon.

Subs: Pope, Wilson, Targett, Krafth, Osula, Livramento, Willock, Longstaff, Miley.