Newcastle United won at the Emirates for the first time since 2010 with goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon securing a massive 2-0 aggregate lead in the first leg of the Carabao Cup Semi-final.
Eddie Howe schooled Mikel Arteta tactically (once again) as the Stoke-of-North-London struggled to make anything from open play. Heroic out of possession, serious and deadly in possession – United were full value for the victory.
Here are our (first) five key takeaways from the game:
- Defensive Solidity
United’s mentality levels: the defensive solidity was top class, the organisation, the structure, it all restricted Arsenal to just three shots on target as bodies were put in the way of absolutely everything.
Despite dropping deep and sitting off (and an Arsenal xG of 3.09) you never really felt in any danger, that’s how solid United were in defence, and that’s massive credit to them and the entire team.
Something about that performance on Tuesday night felt like a huge mentality shift, the disappointments of previous years, the near misses, the heartache – all of it – seemed to be banished in 90 minutes, as United won a massive away game, in a massive semi-final with relative ease.
A special mention too for Sven Botman. To come in from over 300 days out with a serious knee injury and play two full 90’s in four days and put his body on the line, contributing to a 5th clean sheet in seven. He was sensational on Tuesday night.
- Isak & Gordon again
Get yourselves to the bookies and put these two on for a double to score for the next few games (Bromley probably excluded) as they have done it for the second game in a row. Both are still young and have levels, and levels to progress into.
Isak’s goal was also the first time we have ever scored in the League Cup against Arsenal in what was our fifth cup match against them. He was a constant danger, giving Saliba/Gabriel their toughest game of the season and putting the jitters right up them. I saw a stat online after the game that Isak has scored the same amount of open play goals as Everton (26) since the start of last season – some stat that.
Gordon was immense too, running the hard yards and showing he is miles better than anything Arsenal have on the wings. Add-in the s***housery by copying Thierry Henry’s celebration at the Emirates – a chef’s kiss moment.
Gordon’s ‘big-game player’ tag also continued. That’s now 16 goal involvements in 18 games against ‘big six’ sides since the start of last season! He’s back to his best on that left side and worked his socks off (again).
- Winning without Bruno
Seven times United have taken to the field without Bruno G., seven times they have failed to win the game. This performance without him shows the true evolution of this Newcastle team.
Tonali is key to that. The Italian has raised the levels of the midfield, he is a player of similar quality to Bruno, so you don’t drop levels when he comes into the team, you maintain them. The one pinpoint 60-yard-long pass in the first half was a thing of beauty and his engine is magnificent as he’s able to recover from being out of position, filling gaps and covering other players too.
- Late tactics spot on – Howe’s 5-5-0
In the eyes of some fans, Eddie Howe takes too long make substitutions. Tuesday night showed a different side to the gaffer as he made a triple change in the 65th minute and switched the team to five at the back.
Then ten minutes later the arrival of Almiron from the bench signalled United shifting into a Mike Bassettesque 5-5-0 formation as the lads set out their stall to defend the two-nil lead.
The tactical change brought a deserved win and showed just how much heart and fight are in the squad with fringe players like Kelly, Miggy, Longstaff, and Barnes all contributing to a fine win. Four out of the last five games have been away from home – and United have conceded just one goal. A true defensive masterclass.
- Edward John Frank Howe
‘We tried to be ourselves,’ Eddie said in his post-match interview with Sky Sports and make no mistake United imposed their style onto Arsenal on Tuesday evening. It was an adapted style (take note Postecoglou), but it was incredibly effective on the night.
Eddie Howe’s tactics, substitutions and game management were excellent on the night, and he is making more and more of the big calls correctly in the big games. The shape out of possession was near perfect in the first half, and to have the cojones to sacrifice all attacking intent to ensure we kept a clean sheet – it’s a huge call, under huge pressure, it’s also elite game management. Simply top class.
From the doldrums on the 7 December following the Brentford defeat to the heights of turning north London Black and White on the 7 January – it’s immense, huge credit must go to Edward John Frank Howe.
Wholeheartedly agree with almost every single word (spot the one factual error).
davewallace(Quote)