Chad Etekubo
Newcastle United delivered a commanding performance to sweep past Arsenal and secure their place in the League Cup final with a resounding 4-0 aggregate victory. A raucous St James’ Park witnessed Jacob Murphy’s first-half strike set the tone before Anthony Gordon sealed the win, capitalizing on Arsenal’s uncharacteristically fragile defense.
This marks Newcastle’s third triumph over Arsenal this season, further cementing their dominance over Mikel Arteta’s side. They now await the winner of the Liverpool vs. Tottenham clash, with Spurs holding a narrow 1-0 advantage ahead of their second-leg encounter at Anfield.
Having already taken a 2-0 lead from the first leg in January, Eddie Howe’s men remained composed and capitalized on their opportunities in front of their fervent supporters. Newcastle stand just one step away from clinching their first major silverware since their Inter-Cities Fairs Cup triumph in 1969.
The Magpies have endured several near misses in recent decades, including their 2023 League Cup final loss to Manchester United and FA Cup final defeats in 1999, 1998, and 1974. Their last domestic trophy, the 1955 FA Cup, remains a distant memory, but Howe’s managerial acumen and the club’s financial backing have transformed them into serious contenders.
Despite being restricted by profit and sustainability regulations, Newcastle have managed to maintain their upward trajectory under Howe’s guidance. Meanwhile, Arsenal, fresh off a 5-1 thrashing of Manchester City to maintain their Premier League title hopes, were brought crashing back to earth by a determined Newcastle side.
Arteta, whose only silverware at Arsenal remains the 2020 FA Cup, saw another opportunity slip through his fingers. The Gunners, already eliminated from the FA Cup by Manchester United, now focus on their Champions League last-16 campaign and their bid to chase down league leaders Liverpool. However, with a six-point gap and the Reds holding a game in hand, the challenge remains steep.
As Newcastle fans erupted in celebration, Gordon waved a black-and-white scarf in the air, symbolizing the club’s resurgence and their dream of Wembley glory.
