After all the nerves in the build-up, Newcastle United delivered a very good performance to comfortably reach the Carabao Cup final.
The change to bring in Sven Botman offered the tactical flexibility to remain solid, while offering a threat on the counter attack. A 4-0 aggregate win over Arsenal is an incredible achievement and ranks as one of the best in Eddie Howe’s time at the club.
Below, we rate each player’s performance the morning after a memorable night at St James’ Park.
Starting XI
Martin Dubravka – 7 – It was a show of faith from the manager to keep him in goal and he played his part in keeping the clean sheet. There were a couple of good saves and he controlled his area well from the set pieces.
Kieran Trippier – 9 – The former England international gave his best performance of the season and his experience was needed to manage the situation. The aggression that Trippier showed was so important in getting under the skin of the Arsenal players. Didn’t give Trossard an inch.
Fabian Schar – 8 – After a few under par performances, Schar was excellent and played his role in keeping Arsenal out. His bravery out of possession with his pressing was key for the second goal and underlined his tactical understanding of the role.
Sven Botman – 9 – It was one of the best defensive performances we have seen this season, as Botman was regularly disrupting Arsenal attacks and appearing in the right place at the right time. His reading of the game was superb and he raised the levels in the defence. Totally bullied Havertz and made one vital block to deny Odegaard in the first half. Hopefully his injury wasn’t too bad.
Dan Burn – 8.5 – A new role for the boyhood fan and he thrived in it. His consistency has been excellent this season and like the other two centre backs, he played a big part in the clean sheet. Their set pieces offered little threat and Burn’s leadership was key to that.
Lewis Hall – 7.5 – During the initial part of his time at the club, it was his tactical understanding that was keeping him off the pitch. However, he has matured a lot since joining and he delivered his complex role perfectly. He stepped into midfield and didn’t look phased by it. A mature performance from the left back.
Bruno Guimaraes – 8 – It wasn’t Bruno Guimaraes’ most dominant performance, but he regularly relieved the pressure by winning fouls. He won five during the match and made three of his own. Breaking up the game was important and it slowed Arsenal down, putting him off his rhythm. The Brazilian made two interceptions and made nine recoveries.
Sandro Tonali – 8.5 – The energy of the Italian is incredible. He looks to be the fittest player every time he steps on the pitch, as he covers a lot of ground and he’s excellent at being in the right place at the right time.
Jacob Murphy – 8 – The great form of Jacob Murphy continues. The way he was in the right place at the right time for the opening goal showed how effective he is at reading situations in the final third at the moment. There will always be limitations to his game, but he is managing to maximise his influence and output. Defensively, he made a point of working hard and helping the team out of possession.
Anthony Gordon – 8.5 – At times it was a mixed performance by Gordon as he did waste a lot of situations in the first half, but his persistence and pace caused Arsenal a lot of problems. It was an impactful performance from the left winger – he ran them ragged at both ends – and he took his goal well, giving David Raya the eyes.
Alexander Isak – 9 – The striker didn’t get his goal, but he was a constant threat all evening. Arsenal’s centre backs were rattled by him and were making strange errors that we haven’t previously seen from them. The touch in the build up to the first goal was exceptional and his finish was unlucky to strike the post. His earlier disallowed goal was a killer finish. He always seems to raise his game against Arsenal.
Subs
Emil Krafth – 6 – It was good to see the Swede come on and be part of such a big occasion. He played his part in keeping the clean sheet.
Joe Willock – 6 – After a poor performance against Fulham, Willock looked a bit brighter on Wednesday. Needs to get his confidence back.
Callum Wilson N/A – It was great to see the striker back. Hopefully he can stay fit.
Sean Longstaff N/A
Lewis Miley N/A
As I posted elsewhere
Did you see Murphy’s stats from last night.
From the BBC ‘In 80 minutes on the pitch he registered two successful passes, from five attempted, among 14 touches – with one of which he effectively sent Newcastle to Wembley after 19 minutes.’
PremAndUp(Quote)
PremAnd Up we were saying where I sit not using right side, all seemed too come down the left especially 2nd half,Botman my MOM, he’s got to start from now on
Darren Bebb(Quote)
Crazy stat!
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
Wasn’t it great to send Arteta and we will score three, four or five packing!
Did we miss Joelinton, not really, agree with Darren Bebb that Botman was MOM.
We choked the life out of them a bit like Bournemouth did to us, pleased Howe was brave with a back three which nullified the set piece “kings”.
When you see how we can play the blips are our problem, perhaps this result might improve confidence and mindset.
Joseph(Quote)