“Everyone thinks William Saliba and Gabriel are the best Arsenal defender but that’s not true, their best defender is that guy and I’ve never played against such player before…I’m scored of him”: Newcastle United’s superstar Alexander Isak names ONE Arsenal’s defender who was a nightmare for him during the game
Newcastle defeated Arsenal 2-0 in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final at St James’ Park this evening.
Trailing 2-0 from the first leg, Arsenal conceded an early goal again, but Alexander Isak’s strike was ruled out for offside.
The Gunners began to grow into the game, and Martin Odegaard had a good chance, only to see his effort crash against the woodwork.
Newcastle responded immediately, and Jacob Murphy was on hand to turn in a rebound after Isak’s effort blasted off the crossbar.
Leandro Trossard came close to equalising, but Martin Dúbravka made a fine save to deny the Belgian.
Arsenal continued to struggle against Newcastle’s low block, and things went from bad to worse when Gabriel Martinelli was forced off with an injury.
Ethan Nwaneri was lively after replacing Martinelli, but at half-time, Newcastle led 1-0.
Shortly after the break, Raya was fortunate to escape punishment for a poor mistake, as Anthony Gordon fired wide with an open goal to aim at.
However, when Raya made another costly error, Gordon capitalised this time, extending Newcastle’s lead.
Arsenal replaced Odegaard and Trossard with Raheem Sterling and Mikel Merino, but both struggled to make an impact.
Despite spells of possession, Arsenal failed to break down Newcastle’s defence, while the Magpies looked solid at the back and more confident in attack, securing a well-deserved victory.
ALAN SHEARER’S MESSAGE
Arsenal fans have been knocked out of the League Cup at the semi-final stage after Newcastle United beat them 4-0 on aggregate.
The Gunners had a mountain to climb after Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon helped the Magpies to a 2-0 win in the first leg.
Arsenal were then undone by goals from Jacob Murphy and Gordon as Eddie Howe’s side won 2-0 on the night and 4-0 on aggregate.
Although Alexander Isak didn’t get on the scoresheet, he tormented the Gunners defence time and time again, with two of the country’s best defenders unable to cope.
Isak’s fourth-minute effort was chalked off for offside, but his strike against the post was finished off by Murphy for Newcastle’s opener.
Newcastle legend Alan Shearer sent a brutal message to Arsenal icon Ian Wright during the game as their respective sides locked horns.
Alan Shearer suggests Arsenal centre-backs
couldn’t cope with Alexander Isak
Shearer took to X to mock Wright for how much Arsenal centre-backs William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes were struggling against Isak.
The Toon icon said: “Hey Ian Wright talk to me about our boy Isak against your 2 centre backs!!!”
Shearer went on to offer a brutal assessment of Arsenal after the game, saying the Gunners “couldn’t live” with Newcastle’s intensity.
The St James’ Park icon also said Newcastle’s players were better than Arsenal’s men in every position.
Newcastle will face either Tottenham Hotspur or Liverpool in the final at Wembley.
How Isak fared against Arsenal
Looking at Isak stats from the game, it would seem like he didn’t have the best of nights. After all, he didn’t score and, technically speaking, didn’t get an assist.
However, the stats don’t tell the full story. Isak was in full flow as he constantly harassed the Gunners defence, so much so that they looked terrified of him at times.
On another night, Isak could have had a brace. On this night, one goal was ruled out for offside and another effort struck the post, though it set up Murphy for his opener.
Isak is a world-class player in every sense of the word, and Newcastle should be proud of having him in their ranks and how much they’ve helped him develop further.
However, the Magpies will have to be mindful of the interest in Isak from some of the biggest clubs in the world over the summer.
