Newcastle United have secured their spot in the League Cup final for the second time in three seasons after a commanding 2-0 win over Arsenal in the semi-final second leg at St James’ Park on Wednesday.
Goals from Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon sealed a 4-0 aggregate victory, as the Magpies dominated Mikel Arteta’s struggling side and booked their place at Wembley.
Magpies Set for Wembley Showdown
With this impressive win, Newcastle will face either Liverpool or Tottenham in the final on March 16. Spurs currently hold a 1-0 lead ahead of their second leg at Anfield on Thursday.
Eddie Howe’s men, backed by their raucous home crowd, held their nerve to complete the job after their 2-0 first-leg win at the Emirates in January.
Ending the Trophy Drought?
This victory puts Newcastle just one step away from ending their long wait for silverware, with their last major triumph coming in the 1969 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup.
Despite reaching four finals since then, including the 2023 League Cup final loss to Manchester United, they have fallen short each time. Their last domestic trophy win was the FA Cup in 1955.
With Howe’s tactical brilliance and the financial backing of their Saudi owners, Newcastle have transformed from underachievers into genuine contenders.
Arsenal’s Troubles Deepen
For Arsenal, the defeat adds to their growing frustrations. Already knocked out of the FA Cup by Manchester United, the Gunners remain six points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, who also have a game in hand.
Manager Mikel Arteta will be particularly disappointed, as his side lacked cutting edge in attack with Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka sidelined due to injuries.
Adding insult to injury, Newcastle fans mocked Arteta, chanting: “Mikel Arteta, it must be the ball”—a reference to his complaints about the different ball used in the first leg.
Match Highlights
• Jacob Murphy opened the scoring in the 19th minute, capitalizing on a rebound after Alexander Isak hit the post.
• Arsenal missed a golden chance to equalize as Martin Odegaard struck the post from close range.
• Anthony Gordon doubled Newcastle’s lead in the 52nd minute, punishing a costly error from Arsenal keeper David Raya.
• Newcastle’s high press unsettled Arsenal’s defense, with Fabian Schär’s tackle setting up Gordon for the killer blow.
As the final whistle blew, St James’ Park erupted in celebration, with Gordon holding aloft a black and white scarf thrown from the stands—a symbol of Newcastle’s growing belief that this could finally be their year.
