Newcastle took a major step towards the League Cup final after beating Arsenal 2-0 away in the first leg of the competition's semi-final.
At the Emirates, Eddie Howe's men displayed deft defending and effective attacking play to continue their winning streak. The Gunners dominated the first half, with Gabriel Martinelli's powerful shot blocked by the post before the in-form Alexander Isak gave the Magpies the lead in the 38th minute, eye-to-eye with home goalkeeper David Raya. The visitors struck again shortly after the break, and again Isak was the main man. The Swedish striker burst into the box and fired between three opponents, Raya deflected his shot, but then Anthony Gordon scored the extra time into an empty net.
Arsenal then had several good chances to get back into the game, with Kai Havertz the clearest chance, but he missed with a header from close range.
In the end, Newcastle recorded their seventh consecutive win in all competitions, and Arsenal will now turn their attention to the return leg on February 5. | BGNES
