Newcastle took an important step towards the League Cup final by defeating Arsenal 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium.
Goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon sealed the win in the first leg of the quarter-final.
Joren Timber had the first real chance of the match, heading Declan Rice's corner kick over the crossbar from close range in the 13th minute.
Moments later, Gabriel Martinelli found himself one-on-one with Martin Dubravka after an assist from Leandro Trossard, but the Brazilian's shot rebounded off the post.
Although Arsenal dominated, it was Newcastle who opened the scoring in the 37th minute.
Dubravka's long ball was crossed by Dan Byrne, with Jacob Murphy controlling it before passing it to Isaac.
The Swedish striker fired a shot that bounced off the underside of the crossbar, giving Newcastle a 1-0 lead.
Huge result in the first leg!!! 😍😍 pic.twitter.com/ANBUQJf7Bv
– Newcastle United (@NUFC) January 7, 2025
The Gunners continued to press for an equaliser, but Newcastle's defense held out until the end of the first half.
Arsenal started the second half with more energy, as they succeeded in pinning Newcastle in their own half.
Odegaard and Martinelli tried to open up Newcastle's defence, but Dubravka was in control of the goal, hitting crosses and wasting chances.
Newcastle scored again in the 51st minute.
Isak's initial effort was blocked by David Raya, but the rebound fell to Gordon, who scored into an empty net to make it 2-0.
The goal sent Newcastle fans into jubilation and left Arsenal with a mountain to climb.
Mikel Arteta responded by bringing on Gabriel Jesus and Jorginho before the hour mark, but the substitutions failed to turn the tide.
Havertz came close to scoring with a header from a corner kick, but he pushed it off the post. Martinelli also shot a direct shot after a smart exchange with Jorginho inside the penalty area.
Passion 👊 pic.twitter.com/qFZUk1yuPx
– Newcastle United (@NUFC) January 7, 2025
Arsenal increased the pressure in the final minutes, winning a series of corner kicks and free kicks in dangerous positions.
However, Odegaard's passes were consistently handled by Newcastle's resolute backline.
Rice tried to rally his team through runs and crosses, but there was no way through.
Arsenal finished the season with 1.96 expected goals (xG) compared to Newcastle's 0.9, highlighting their inability to convert chances.
Dubravka was instrumental in helping the visitors, making crucial saves and dominating his area throughout the match.
Isak and Gordon were effective in front of goal, while Botman and Byrne were solid in defence.
Newcastle will build on a two-goal advantage in the second leg at St James' Park, knowing that a disciplined display can secure their place in the final.
For Arsenal, the task is daunting but not impossible. Arteta's side will need a sharp attacking performance and greater composure in front of goal to turn the result around.
