Arsenal travels to St James’ Park on Wednesday, hoping to pull off a remarkable comeback against Newcastle United in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals. The Gunners suffered a 2-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium in the first leg on January 8, with goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon putting Eddie Howe’s side in control of the tie.
Despite the setback, Arsenal enters the match on a high after an emphatic 5-1 victory over reigning Premier League champions Manchester City. Mikel Arteta’s squad will look to carry that momentum into this crucial fixture, aiming to reach their first League Cup final since 2018. However, history is not on their side—of the 31 previous occasions where a team lost the first leg at home in an EFL Cup semi-final, only two have managed to overturn the deficit. Encouragingly for Arsenal, they were the last team to achieve this feat, against Tottenham in the 1986-87 season.
Newcastle Seeks First Major Trophy in 56 Years
For Newcastle, this match presents a golden opportunity to move one step closer to ending their long wait for a major trophy. The Magpies have not won a significant title since lifting the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1969, and a place in the Carabao Cup final would be a major milestone under Eddie Howe.
Newcastle’s home form, however, has recently been a cause for concern. They have suffered back-to-back defeats at St James’ Park, conceding multiple goals in losses to Bournemouth (4-1) and Fulham (2-1). Arsenal will be encouraged by their own attacking record on the road, having scored three or more goals in five away matches this season. Arteta remains confident that his side can rise to the occasion, stating, “The buzz from the City game and the manner in which we did it gives us momentum. It is time for full gas and go for it.”
Magpies Seek Redemption After League Cup Final Defeat
Newcastle United is determined to put the disappointment of their 2023 League Cup final loss behind them as they edge closer to another shot at silverware. The Magpies reached their first Wembley final since the 1999 FA Cup final but fell short against Manchester United, losing 2-0. That defeat extended their long wait for a major trophy, a drought that has persisted since their 1955 FA Cup triumph.
Manager Eddie Howe acknowledges the tension surrounding their latest cup campaign but believes his players can channel their nerves into a positive force. Speaking ahead of the upcoming semi-final clash, Howe emphasized the importance of mental resilience. “Nerves and excitement are closely linked to each other as emotions, and you have to try and focus on the positive side much more than the negative,” he said. The Newcastle boss urged his team to embrace the moment, adding, “What a great opportunity for us at home to attack the game, try and embrace everything in the face, and do our best. That’s what we’re going to try and do.”
Will Arsenal’s Failure to Sign a Striker Prove Costly?
Arsenal’s decision not to secure a new striker in the winter transfer window has sparked debate, with some questioning whether it could hinder their title ambitions. The Gunners had reportedly pursued Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, but their bid was rejected, leaving them without any new attacking reinforcements before the deadline.
Despite this, Mikel Arteta remains confident in his squad’s firepower. Arsenal currently sits six points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool and remains in contention for Champions League glory. Their attacking record has been impressive, ranking as the second-highest scorers in the league, with 13 matches this season where they netted three or more goals. Addressing concerns over the failed transfer pursuit, Arteta maintained a pragmatic stance. “No, because when you try your best and you do things with the right process, you move on,” he stated. While Arsenal fans may have hoped for reinforcements, the club’s fate will ultimately be decided in the crucial months ahead.