- Newcastle took a big step towards Wembley with a 2-0 win over Arsenal
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Newcastle will take a 2-0 lead into the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal after Eddie Howe's side claimed an impressive victory at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal wasted the chance to take the lead when Gabriel Martinelli hit the post when he was sent cleanly on goal in the first half.
Martinelli was made to pay when in-form striker Alexander Isak put Newcastle ahead when Arsenal failed to clear a free kick straight into the area.
Isak proved key as Newcastle doubled their lead in the second half, and David Raya could only parry his effort into the path of Anthony Gordon for the winger to tap in.
Mail Sport's Isaan Khan rates the players from the first leg as Newcastle took an important step towards booking a place at Wembley.
Alexander Isak continued his goalscoring form to help Newcastle beat Arsenal 2-0.
Isak scored minutes after Gabriel Martinelli hit the Newcastle post when clean.
Anthony Gordon doubled Newcastle's lead to boost hopes of booking Wembley spot
ARSENAL (4-3-3)
DAVID RAYA: 6
He conceded twice. The second goal will frustrate him since he made the initial save. Not helped by a defense that looked broken more than usual.
JURRIEN WOOD: 6
I found it difficult against Anthony Gordon's pace.
WILLIAM CROSS: 5.5
He is not the same as always, having to deal with the problematic Alexander Isak.
GABRIEL: 6
He had two goals on goal in the first half. Along with Saliba, he was stretched by Toon's attack several times.
William Saliba was not as usual at the Emirates and had problems against Isak
MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY: 6
Confident on the ball when necessary. True bravery, even in danger.
MARTIN ODEGAARD: 6
The Toon midfielder made sure he had no time to pull his team's strings.
THOMAS FIESTA: 6
I enjoyed returning to his usual midfield role. Defense connected to midfield but limited forward passing.
DECLAN RICE: 6.5
Energetic in the middle. He made some good strides in the second half in periods when his team was trailing.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI: 6
He should have scored in the 29th minute, one-on-one with the goalkeeper, who hit the post. Some decent runs down the right wing.
Martinelli should have scored one-on-one with the goalkeeper in the first half
Kai Havertz had a great opportunity to score, but the ball hit his shoulder and went wide.
KAI HAVERTZ: 5
A very quiet screen. He had a great opportunity in the 58th minute, where he missed his header and the ball went off his shoulder.
LEANDRO TROSSARD: 6.5
Good bonding game. Martinelli played, who should score. And he also prepared Odegaard around the half hour mark.
Substitutes –
GABRIEL JESUS: 6
JORGINHO: 6
OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO: 6
Manager –
MICHAEL ART: 5.5
NEWCASTLE (4-3-3)
MARTIN DUBRAVKA: 6.5
He struggled on Arsenal's set pieces, but came away with a clean sheet.
LIVRAMENTO TINE: 7.5
Solid on the right back. It gave Martinelli limited opportunities to get to the baseline.
SVEN BOTMAN: 7.5
His header against the goalkeeper set up Isak's goal. Good screen, got stuck.
AND BURN: 7.5
He and Botman made Havertz anonymous. The couple worked well together.
Botman put in an impressive display as he continues his return from a serious knee injury.
Lewis Hall put on an impressive display, despite often being overrun several times.
LEWIS HALL: 7.5
A confident and impressive performance from the young full-back. He was attacked several times, but often came out better. What a talent.
JOE WILLOCK: 6.5
Mixed display. The game grew as it progressed, especially when Newcastle were on the rise.
SANDRO TONALI: 7.5
Calm with the ball. The driver in his team.
JOELINTON: 7
A motor in the midfielder. He bothered the opponent with his physicality and made some good passes.
JACOB MURPHY: 7
Good job getting the ball to Isak for his first goal. Take a turn.
Anthony Gordon showed good anticipation and doubled Newcastle's lead in the second half.
Isak led Arsenal's defensive line and looked the complete package during the semi-final.
ALEJANDRO ISAK: 9
He ran Arsenal's backline, scored a goal and his deflected shot led to Anthony Gordon's shot. He showed quick runs, accurate shots and waiting play. The complete package. It is no surprise that Arsenal want to sign him.
ANTONIO GORDON: 7.5
Good anticipation to put the Toon two goals up, finishing off Isak's deflected shot. Lively all night on the left wing.
Substitutes –
BE LONG: 6.5
LLOYD KELLY: 6.5
HARVEY BARNES: 6.5
MIGUEL ALMIRON: 6.5
Manager –
EDDIE HOWE: 7
