What Arsenal crowd did spoke volumes as Newcastle United shut down ‘bullies’

Gabriel Martinelli spoke boldly about Arsenal’s ability to score freely at St. James’ Park, but reality proved different. The days of Arsenal running riot in Newcastle are over.

A quick glance at traveling supporters leaving in the 71st minute confirmed that fact. On the anniversary of Newcastle’s legendary 2011 comeback from 4-0 down, there was never a chance of history reversing in Arsenal’s favor. The away fans saw it coming.

By then, the home crowd was in full voice, urging their team to pile on the misery. The Geordies even mocked Mikel Arteta’s previous complaints about the match ball, chanting his name in jest. Newcastle’s captain, Bruno Guimarães, admitted feeling anxious before kickoff, but his team showed no nerves—just confidence and aggression.

Newcastle had already gained a significant advantage before a ball was kicked, yet there was no sign of a team merely protecting a lead. In the intense atmosphere of St. James’ Park, Newcastle played on the front foot. A massive banner in the Gallowgate End read “Get into them!”—and that’s exactly what they did.

Despite adding an extra defender, Newcastle pressed high and played with relentless energy. From the opening whistle, they looked like the side desperate to overturn a deficit. Their approach paid off when Jacob Murphy opened the scoring. The second goal, however, epitomized their fearless attitude.

Fabian Schär, supposedly a center-back, sprinted forward to dispossess Declan Rice near Arsenal’s box before setting up Anthony Gordon. Seeing Rice forced into a costly mistake is rare, but Newcastle’s aggression unsettled Arsenal all night. The numbers backed it up—Newcastle won 53 duels, a testament to their intensity.

Kieran Trippier set the tone, confronting Arsenal’s Gabriel after a soft fall, standing over him and refusing to back down. Arsenal, a team that prides itself on imposing physicality, found themselves on the receiving end for once.

Gordon had already promised Arsenal wouldn’t bully Newcastle on their own turf, and Eddie Howe reinforced that mentality. The Newcastle manager emphasized competitiveness, insisting his team had to face their direct opponents without backing down. It wasn’t about seeking confrontation, but if physical battles arose, Newcastle trusted themselves to win them.

Even with the late withdrawal of powerhouse Joelinton, Newcastle’s tactical switch to a 5-4-1 formation provided defensive stability. Sven Botman’s return bolstered the backline, leading to a well-earned clean sheet.

The stats told the story—43 clearances, 21 tackles won. Arsenal, fresh off a victory over Manchester City, saw plenty of the ball but lacked cutting edge. Despite dominating possession, they mustered just a few shots on target. Newcastle even stood firm against Arsenal’s renowned set-piece prowess.

From the outset, the atmosphere at St. James’ Park fueled the home side. Less than four minutes in, Alexander Isak raced through on goal and finished emphatically, sending the crowd into a frenzy—until VAR intervened, ruling him offside.

Arsenal received a lifeline, but they failed to capitalize. Soon after, Martin Ødegaard missed a golden opportunity, and Newcastle made them pay moments later.

A long clearance from Martin Dúbravka found Isak, who held off William Saliba and combined with Gordon. In a near carbon copy of the disallowed goal, Isak struck a venomous shot off the post. Murphy reacted first, smashing home the rebound to put Newcastle ahead. This time, there was no reprieve for Arsenal.

The first goal in any game is crucial, but in a high-stakes tie like this, it was priceless. Suddenly, Newcastle held a commanding 3-0 aggregate lead. With momentum on their side, they showed resilience, stifling Arsenal’s attacks.

When the Gunners did find space, Dúbravka stood firm. His best moment came when Kai Havertz set up Leandro Trossard for a close-range effort—Dúbravka reacted superbly to keep it out. It was as close as Arsenal came to scoring all night.

In contrast, Arsenal’s defense looked vulnerable. Gabriel’s poor header to Saliba early in the second half almost cost them, and his casual control invited Gordon to pounce. Spotting David Raya off his line, Gordon attempted an audacious long-range strike, but it sailed wide. While that effort didn’t find the net, Newcastle’s relentless pressing soon forced another error.

Raya attempted to play short to Rice, but Schär anticipated the pass and reacted first. His interception set up Gordon, who slotted home Newcastle’s second goal of the night. The celebrations inside St. James’ Park erupted. Scarves rained down from the stands, and Gordon picked one up, waving it triumphantly.

Newcastle’s journey continues—they are heading to Wembley. The black-and-white faithful sang in unison, already dreaming of the final. What will be, will be.