The Gunners were wasteful in this defeat to Newcastle, squandering plenty of chances to stay in the tie. In the end, they finished the match with 23 shots on goal – but just three of those were on target.
Standard Sport’s Simon Collings was at the Emirates to see Arsenal in action and pick out the main talking points…
One chance – that was all Isak needed to make Arsenal pay. Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka launched a free-kick forwards from inside the Newcastle half and centre-back Sven Botman flicked it on.
It was poor defending from Arsenal, who allowed Jacob Murphy to guide the ball onto Isak and, once the Swede had it, you knew what was going to happen next.
The striker finished with ease to take his tally for the season to 15. Isak also brought up 50 goals for Newcastle, which have come in no time at all.
Since making his debut for the Magpies in August 2022, only Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah have scored more goals in all competitions among Premier League players.
What Arsenal would give for a striker like Isak and this was a painful exhibition of exactly what he would bring to them.
Arsenal squandered chances in the first half, with Gabriel Martinelli hitting the post, but Isak took the one opportunity he got.
He was at it again in the second half, although this time David Raya denied him after Isak found space in the box. Gordon was on hand, though, to tap in the rebound and double Newcastle’s lead.
Need for more firepower made clear
Arsenal may have little to no chance of signing Isak this month, but this defeat made it clear they need to add someone. The Gunners were wasteful as they squandered golden opportunities in both halves.
Martinelli struck the post when clean through on goal, Jurrien Timber headed over from inside the six-yard box and Kai Havertz somehow skewed a header wide when Leandro Trossard’s deflected cross came to him.
Even the introduction of Gabriel Jesus, who has managed to find some form in recent weeks, could not change Arsenal’s fortunes. The absence of Bukayo Saka, who will be out until at least March after tearing his hamstring, is being felt and Arsenal need reinforcements.
January is a notoriously difficult window to operate in, however the club have had success in the past – most notably bringing in Trossard two years ago. Something similar feels needed now.
Arsenal with a mountain to climb
A trip to St James’ Park for the second leg of this semi-final always felt like a daunting prospect for Arsenal – but now it looks even worse.
Few grounds hold more recent bad memories for the Gunners and they have lost on their past two visits there.
It was also where Arsenal missed out on Champions League football in May 2022, with Arteta’s rant after the match capture by Amazon’s cameras for the All or Nothing documentary.
Arsenal did win 2-0 at St James’ back in May 2023 and it will take the same now if they are to keep their dreams of making the Carabao Cup final alive.
Newcastle, however, will have their tails up after this first leg and it will be their fans believing they can end their long wait for a trophy.
