Arsenal were dealt a huge blow in their ambitions of reaching the Carabao Cup final, as they were beaten 0-2 by Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium.
There were positives to be had regarding the team news, Kai Havertz returned to the starting XI after missing two games due to illness. Whilst Gabriel Martinelli returned due to the absence of Ethan Nwaneri. Myles Lewis-Skelly also came back into the team at left-back.
The game started in a rather fast paced fashion, with chances at both ends. With the best opportunity in the opening stages of the first half coming for Arsenal, as a pass from Leandro Trossard set Martinelli through on goal, however the Brazilian smashed his strike against the post and the score stayed 0-0.
That was until the deadlock would be broken, and it would be the away side who would find the opening goal. A free-kick from goalkeeper Martin Dubravka floated towards the Arsenal penalty area, the Gunners failed to deal with the delivery and the ball fell to Alexander Isak just yards away from goal, the Swede was never going to miss with the form he’s been in and he didn’t. Leaving Arsenal needing an equaliser going into the break.
An early goal would come minutes after the interval, however it would be Newcastle who would their lead. A shot in the Arsenal box would fall straight into the path of Anthony Gordon who made no mistake from close range to double his team’s lead and leave Arsenal with a mountain to climb.
The Gunners would create chances, and the best of which really should have resulted in a goal back for Mikel Arteta’s side. A cross from the right-hand side would come towards Havertz with the goal at his mercy, but the German missed a sitter by taking his eye off the ball at the last moment.
Arsenal would push and push but they couldn’t find a way through an excellently organised Newcastle, something that has been a theme of Arsenal’s season. The score would stay 0-2 to the delight of the 6,000 Geordies and the dismay of the Arsenal faithful who had began to empty out by the 80th minute.
With one cup gone, Arsenal have no choice but to progress in the FA Cup as they host Manchester United at Emirates Stadium in the 3rd round.
Player Ratings:
David Raya: 6
Jurrien Timber: 5
William Saliba: 6
Gabriel: 6
Myles Lewis-Skelly: 6
Thomas Partey: 6
Declan Rice: 6
Martin Odegaard: 4
Leandro Trossard: 4
Kai Havertz: 4
Gabriel Martinelli: 6