Fewer touches than goalkeeper: £25m Newcastle ace fails to prove a point vs Arsenal, must be dropped

Newcastle United took a significant step toward the Carabao Cup final with a commanding 2-0 victory over Arsenal in the first leg of the semi-final on Tuesday night.

The Magpies entered the match brimming with confidence after securing six consecutive wins across all competitions. Their momentum and determination were evident as they outclassed Arsenal at the Emirates, setting themselves up with a strong advantage heading into the second leg at St James’ Park.

Alexander Isak once again proved to be the driving force for Newcastle. The Swedish international showcased his composure and finishing ability with a decisive opening goal in the 37th minute.

His impact didn’t stop there, as his relentless pressure on Arsenal’s defense played a pivotal role in the Magpies’ second goal. A powerful shot from Isak forced Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya into an awkward save, which allowed Anthony Gordon to capitalize on the rebound and double Newcastle’s lead.

The two goals not only highlighted the attacking prowess of Newcastle’s frontline but also reinforced their ability to deliver in crucial moments.

Arsenal had their chances throughout the game but failed to capitalize on their opportunities. Their lack of clinical finishing in front of goal was a glaring issue, enabling Newcastle to maintain a clean sheet and leave the Emirates with a two-goal cushion.

The Gunners’ inability to convert their opportunities into goals was a stark contrast to Newcastle’s precision and effectiveness in the final third. This inefficiency proved costly, as the visitors showed resilience and tactical discipline to control key moments of the match.

While the spotlight was on standout performers like Isak, Gordon, and Sandro Tonali, there were mixed reviews for others in Newcastle’s lineup. With captain Bruno Guimaraes serving a suspension, the midfield responsibilities fell on the shoulders of Joe Willock.

This presented a golden opportunity for the 25-year-old to step up and make a statement, but he struggled to leave a significant mark on the game. Willock’s limited involvement was evident, registering only 21 touches during his 65 minutes on the pitch—fewer than goalkeeper Martin Dubravka’s 41 touches.

Willock’s lack of impact extended beyond his touches on the ball. He lost possession eight times, failed to win any of his four ground duels, and was dribbled past twice.

These stats highlight a performance that fell short of the standards expected at this level, especially in such a high-stakes encounter. While Willock has shown promise in the past, this outing may raise questions about his ability to perform consistently in critical matches.

Despite Willock’s struggles, Newcastle’s overall performance was a testament to their growth under Eddie Howe’s leadership. The team demonstrated a blend of defensive solidity, creative flair, and collective determination that has become synonymous with their style this season.

Sandro Tonali, in particular, stood out with his exceptional midfield control, further solidifying his importance in the absence of Guimaraes. His ability to dictate play and disrupt Arsenal’s rhythm proved invaluable, underscoring the depth and quality within Newcastle’s squad.

As Newcastle prepares for the second leg of the semi-final, the focus will shift to maintaining their advantage and securing a spot in the Carabao Cup final.

The return of Bruno Guimaraes will undoubtedly bolster their midfield options, providing the balance and creativity needed to navigate the challenges posed by Arsenal. The Magpies will also aim to build on the attacking chemistry displayed by Isak and Gordon, whose contributions have been instrumental in their recent success.

For Arsenal, the task ahead is daunting. Overcoming a two-goal deficit at St James’ Park will require a complete turnaround in form and finishing. While the Gunners possess the talent to mount a comeback, they will need to address the inefficiencies that plagued them in the first leg.

Newcastle’s disciplined defensive structure and counterattacking threat make them a formidable opponent, and Arsenal will need to be at their very best to overturn the deficit.

Newcastle’s commanding performance at the Emirates has brought them within touching distance of a return to Wembley, and the prospect of lifting silverware grows increasingly tangible.

With their confidence sky-high and the passionate home crowd behind them in the second leg, the Magpies are well-positioned to finish the job and advance to the final.

Eddie Howe’s men have shown they possess the quality, resilience, and belief needed to thrive on the big stage, and their journey in the Carabao Cup is shaping up to be a defining chapter in their resurgence.