Newcastle United: Aiming to End the Trophy Drought
The Magpies are on the brink of reaching their third League Cup final, having previously appeared in 1976 and 2023. A victory would mark their second final in three seasons. Newcastle last won a major trophy in 1969 and their last domestic trophy in 1955. Their fans are some of the most passionate in the world meaning this game is massive for the club. Despite their favourable position, manager Eddie Howe remains cautious, emphasizing that only “half the work” is done.
Newcastle’s recent home form has been inconsistent, with losses to Bournemouth and Fulham, but they have secured wins against Wolves and Southampton. The potential absence of key midfielder Joelinton, who was seen in a protective knee brace after the game against Fulham, could pose a challenge. However, Howe has not ruled him out yet.
Arsenal: The Uphill Battle
Arsenal faces the daunting task of overturning a two-goal deficit away from home. The Gunners have shown resilience in the past, notably being the last team to overturn a home first-leg semi-final loss in 1986-87 against Tottenham.
Manager Mikel Arteta has expressed disappointment over the club’s failure to strengthen their attack during the January transfer window, especially with key forwards Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka sidelined due to injuries. Arteta is now relying on Kai Havertz to lead the attack.
Despite these challenges, Arsenal’s morale received a significant boost after a 5-1 Premier League victory over Manchester City, extending their unbeaten league run to 14 games. Forward Gabriel Martinelli emphasized the team’s determination, stating they aim to “score three, four, five” goals against Newcastle.
Tactical Overview
In the first leg, Newcastle effectively disrupted Arsenal’s flow by allowing them possession and then capitalizing on counter-attacks. Arsenal had 70% possession but struggled to break through Newcastle’s organized defence.
For the second leg, Arsenal may need to adopt a more aggressive pressing approach, similar to Bournemouth’s recent success against Newcastle, where high pressing led to turnovers and goals. Newcastle, on the other hand, are expected to focus on maintaining their defensive solidity while looking for opportunities to exploit spaces left by Arsenal’s attacking endeavours.
Key Players to Watch
For Newcastle, Alexander Isak has been in prolific form, scoring in both meetings with Arsenal this season. His partnership with Anthony Gordon, who also scored in the first leg, will be pivotal for Newcastle’s attacking prospects.
Arsenal will look to Gabriel Martinelli to spearhead their comeback attempt. His recent performances, including a goal against Manchester City, highlight his capability to influence high-stakes matches.
Conclusion
The stage is set for a compelling encounter at St James’ Park. Newcastle aims to protect their lead and secure a place in the final, potentially ending a 56-year trophy drought. Arsenal, despite facing adversity, will be driven by their rich history of comebacks and the desire to reach their first League Cup final since 2018. The outcome will hinge on tactical execution, individual brilliance, and perhaps a touch of fortune. With Arsenal pushing for goals, we may see space at the back, expect Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon to try to punish the Gunners. Backing Gordon to have a shot on target looks a good bet.
Tip: Anthony Gordon Total Shots On Target 1+