Arsenal’s hopes of reaching the Carabao Cup final hang in the balance after Newcastle United secured a 2-0 win in the first leg of their semi-final clash.
The Magpies struck against the run of play in the 37th minute when Alexander Isak, continuing his rich vein of form, fired past Aaron Ramsdale to give the visitors the lead.
Shortly after the break, Anthony Gordon doubled Newcastle’s advantage at Emirates Stadium with a clinical close-range finish.
This left the hosts reeling and facing a daunting challenge in the second leg.
Despite Arsenal dominating possession for large spells, they struggled to break down a Newcastle defense marshaled by Kieran Trippier and Sven Botman.
Mikel Arteta’s side now head to St. James’ Park on February 5, needing a miraculous turnaround to keep their Carabao Cup ambitions alive.
Newcastle, meanwhile, will look to build on this result as they aim to reach their first major domestic final since 1999.
