Newcastle United secured a 2-0 lead over Arsenal in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final, also claiming their first away win at Arsenal in 14 matches.
The game started fast, with Joelinton firing a shot over the bar, and Martin Dúbravka saving Kai Havertz’s effort. Both teams had chances, but Jurriën Timber’s header went over, and Sandro Tonali’s shot was off-target. Newcastle kept pressing, and Arsenal finally threatened when Martinelli hit the post after beating Sven Botman. Just before halftime, Botman’s header from Dúbravka’s free-kick set up Alexander Isak to score his 50th goal for the club.
Arsenal tried to respond, but Dúbravka blocked a strong shot from Gabriel Magalhães. Early in the second half, Isak’s shot was saved by David Raya but rebounded to Anthony Gordon, who made it 2-0. Arsenal’s chances kept falling short as Havertz misjudged a header, Saliba missed with a header, and Martinelli’s shot went wide.
Despite Arsenal’s pressure, Newcastle held firm and secured their seventh straight win in all competitions. This result ended Arsenal’s 13-match unbeaten streak and put Newcastle in a strong position to reach their second EFL Cup final in three years. Arsenal now face a tough challenge to reach the final for the first time since 2018.
