Newcastle last won a major trophy 56 years ago, and this victory over Arsenal is significant because it puts the Magpies in the League Cup final, where they need just one win to secure the title.
Despite winning 2-0 in the first leg away from home, Newcastle still had no intention of playing passively in the second leg. On the contrary, Eddie Howe and his team kept the same playing style as at the Emirates to ambush Arsenal in many situations. 4 goals, not conceding a single goal after both matches is a very good achievement for the "Magpies".
Eddie Howe set up a 5-4-1 system to welcome Arsenal in this match. However, it can switch to 3-4-3 when needed in counter-attack situations. It was this variation that made Arsenal dizzy every time the home team accelerated. Almost every counter-attack by Newcastle caused trouble for The Gunners' goal.
Knowing that one of Arsenal's key players was Declan Rice, Howe assigned Fabia Schar to follow the English midfielder like a shadow. The home team's other central defender, Dan Burn, was tasked with closing down the other strikers to cut off contact. Howe was without Joelinton due to injury, but Sven Botman made an excellent substitution.
Before the match, Eddie Howe said that he would not change his approach from the first leg. Although the squad has changed in structure, Newcastle's style of play remains the same. The ferocity in counter-attacks was even more evident when the players received great encouragement from the fans at home.
Newcastle have won all three of their last three games against Arsenal at St. James' Park without conceding a goal. This is an excellent head-to-head record.
Arsenal were tired after their blistering match against Man City last weekend, so Newcastle were not afraid to press high up the pitch at times to put the pressure back on. One of those was successful when David Raya and Declan Rice made errors in passing, Fabian Schar stole the ball and Anthony Gordon punished it, sinking the visitors.
This epic win takes Newcastle back to Wembley for their first final in 29 years. It is the second time in the last three seasons that they have reached this final stage in search of glory. In the club's history, they have never won the League Cup so this time the motivation for Alexander Isak and his teammates is huge.
Unlike the loss to Man United 2 years ago, Newcastle is much stronger this time. Experts say that if the opponent in the final is Tottenham, it will be much easier for Newcastle, but at this time, coach and player Howe are not afraid of anything. With striker Isak in great form, tornado Gordon on the left wing and rock Tonali in the middle of the field, on a day of being themselves, Newcastle can defeat the mighty Liverpool if The Kop reaches the final.
