Arsenal 0-2 Newcastle - 3 takeaways as Carabao Cup chances fade

Arsenal suffered a 2-0 loss in the first leg of its Carabao Cup semi-final tie against Newcastle, with Mikel Arteta's side now facing a big uphill climb.

Arsenal was on the wrong end of a ruthlessly efficient Newcastle side at the Emirates, going down 2-0 to Eddie Howe's side and leaving the Gunners with a huge task to overturn the deficit in the second leg.

The Carabao Cup presented the Gunners with perhaps their best chance at silverware this season but goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon gave the Magpies a huge advantage as they head into the second leg at St. James' Park in a dominating position.

The Gunners had their chances with Gabriel Martinelli hitting the post in the first half, Jurrien Timber missing a header from a yard out and Kai Havertz, my word, with a horror miss, but they just couldn't buy a goal.

Arsenal is now on the brink of elimination from the competition. Here are three takeaways from the Gunners' 2-0 loss to the Magpies.

Isak Arsenal's missing piece

The Newcastle striker is EXACTLY what this Arsenal team needs, and he showed that at the Emirates with his well-taken goal to give the Magpies the lead.

He led the line well, and there was an intent from the striker to make every touch a threatening one, and what's more, Isak's presence alone did something to the Gunners' back line we haven't seen in a while.

He was the chief destroyer of the Gunners and showed exactly why he is the type of forward Arsenal need.

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