Sports Desk:

Newcastle United booked their place in the Carabao Cup final after a comprehensive 2-0 (4-0 on aggregate) victory over Arsenal at St James’ Park.

Newcastle United secured a place in the Carabao Cup final after a 2-0 victory over Arsenal at St James’ Park, sealing a resounding 4-0 aggregate win. The Magpies, who last won a major trophy in 1955, will now face either Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley next month.

Newcastle’s dominant display over both legs ensured they returned to the League Cup final for the second time in three seasons, hoping to go one better than in 2023 when they lost to Manchester United.

Arsenal, already facing a two-goal deficit from the first leg at the Emirates, had a mountain to climb. Any hope of a comeback was dashed in the 19th minute when Jacob Murphy pounced on a rebound after Alexander Isak’s shot struck the post, putting Newcastle firmly in control.

The Gunners’ night worsened early in the second half when a defensive lapse allowed Anthony Gordon to capitalise on a misplaced pass, coolly slotting past goalkeeper David Raya in the 52nd minute to put the tie beyond doubt.

“I was very happy (Odegaard) missed it,” Newcastle’s Brazilian skipper Bruno Guimaraes said. “That was a big opportunity for them and then I think less than two minutes later we score. It was a game changer.

“I felt anxious before the game, big game, Arsenal a top, top team but when we play like that we become an amazing team. Play like that and we can dream big.”

Mikel Arteta’s men, fresh off a stunning 5-1 win over Manchester City, never found their rhythm, and their challenge became even steeper when Gabriel Martinelli was forced off with a hamstring injury before halftime. With key attackers Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka also sidelined, the injury blow could further affect Arsenal’s campaign.

Newcastle, spurred on by a jubilant home crowd, managed the remainder of the match with ease, keeping Arsenal at bay and ensuring a return to Wembley. Their Brazilian captain, Bruno Guimar£es, emphasized the importance of Jacob Murphy’s opener, acknowledging the game-changing moment following Martin Odegaard’s missed opportunity minutes earlier.

With Tottenham carrying a slender 1-0 lead into their second leg against Liverpool at Anfield, Newcastle will now await the outcome to determine their opponent in the final. For the Magpies and their passionate supporters, the dream of ending their long silverware drought remains very much alive.