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Arsenal were bullied by a far superior Newcastle team as the Magpies won 2-0 on Wednesday night to comfortably advance into the Carabao Cup final.
The Gunners' task was sizeable heading into the second leg, and they struggled to get a foothold in the contest early on as Newcastle took the lead through Jacob Murphy after Alexander Isak had a goal ruled out following VAR intervention.
Arsenal simply weren't at the races in the opening exchanges as they succumbed to a bullish Magpies buoyed by a fervent Toon Army desperate to see their team at Wembley for the second time in three years.
Martin Odegaard missed a gilt-edge chance just before Murphy's opener, and Leandro Trossard had an effort smartly saved by Martin Dubravka after Arsenal fell 3-0 behind on aggregate.
With the hosts in total command, any rhythm seeped out of the contest as Eddie Howe's side continued to outmanoeuvre their visitors via shrewd but rugged work without possession and slick transition play once they regained the ball. Newcastle took their time from the restarts and were astute in their bid to nullify a Gunners outfit that seemed to tire towards the end of the first half.
Newcastle are so, so tough to play against at this level. But this is a capitulation.
— Pain In The Arsenal (@PainInThArsenal) February 5, 2025
Men against boys.
Arsenal's desire to capitulate continued after the restart as Anthony Gordon capitalised on a David Raya hospital pass to double Newcastle's lead and absolutely put the tie to bed.
There was very to note for the remaining however many minutes, with Dubravka nor David Raya tested. This was a crushing performance after Sunday's joy. Just get us to Dubai.
Newcastle 2-0 Arsenal player ratings
Goalkeeper & Defenders
David Raya (GK) - 4/10 - Killer pass into Declan Rice teed up Gordon's strike. Wasn't called upon all that much.
Jurrien Timber (RB) - 4/10 - Even the reliable Timber struggled amid the Geordie cauldron. Couldn't be counted upon technically, and Gordon had plenty of joy.
William Saliba (CB) - 3/10 - I don't know where William Saliba was on Wednesday night, but it wasn't St. James' Park. This sorry version of the Frenchman will have nightmares of Tyneside.
Gabriel (CB) - 5/10 - Gabriel wasn't anywhere near as dire as his partner, but he did contribute to Arsenal's dishevelled display.
Myles Lewis-Skelly (LB) - 6/10 - Can't thrust too much blame upon the teenager, with Newcastle targeting his senior counterparts in Arsenal's defence. Had a couple of impressive moments in possession.
Continued on the next slide...