'As important': Newcastle told their five stars were actually just as clutch as Alexander Isak vs Arsenal
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Newcastle United are soaring under Eddie Howe this season and that was further demonstrated in their 2-0 win against Arsenal in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.
Alexander Isak, branded “unstoppable” by Ally McCoist was the man of the hour for Newcastle once again as he played a vital part in both of the visitors’ two goals against Mikel Arteta’s side.
Isak is a £150 million striker, according to Paul Merson but he showcased that he is priceless for Eddie Howe and Co, opening the scoring with an instinctive finish that struck the crossbar and flew into the back of the net.
Anthony Gordon added to Arsenal’s woes by being in the right place at the right time to tap the ball home after the Swede’s initial attempt was parried into his path by David Raya; sealing the game in Newcastle’s favour.
Having scored 50 goals for the Magpies, the star striker is rightly dominating the headlines after yet another outing where he well and truly dazzled.
But Craig Burley named the five Newcastle players whose contributions at the Emirates Stadium were as impactful as that of Isak.
- READ MORE: Alan Shearer says what he would do if Arsenal offered £150m for Newcastle's Alexander Isak now
Newcastle’s back five told they were as key as Alexander Isak to beating Arsenal
The pundit made the bold claim that Mikel Arteta could be sacked by Arsenal one day due to his opinion that Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus are far from the world-class strikers the Gunners need to win major trophies.
On the positive side of things, the Newcastle players he chose to highlight are Martin Dubravka, who could leave Newcastle, Tino Livramento, Sven Botman, Dan Burn and Lewis Hall.
Craig Burley remarked via ESPN FC: “The fact that they defended the box as well as they did as well, it’s not just about the excellent performance once again of Alexander Isak up front and that’s one of the big differences between the sides and we can get to that.”
“But Newcastle have a quality frontman that would walk into a lot of teams and Arsenal don’t and that’s part of the big difference but also the other side of it is Newcastle wanted to do the defensive side of the game today.”
Craig Burley pointed out that it seemed like the Newcastle quintet were willing to do everything it takes to defeat Arsenal and give themselves the advantage heading into the second leg.
“Particularly in the second half, I didn’t agree with this having no striker at the end, although you’ve sort of gone five and five defensively, there’s really no out ball and so it’s just coming back and coming back and coming back.”
“But [Sven] Botman and [Dan] Burn and [Tino] Livramento and Lewis Hall and [Martin] Dubravka and all these guys, they just defended their box like they are desperate to win the trophy and that’s as important as Alexander Isak up front getting all the headlines.”
Anthony Gordon hails Newcastle’s “unbelievable” defence vs Arsenal
Newcastle’s defending against Arsenal was praised by Gordon as well, who reserved special praise for Dan Burn, who he feels has been his side’s best player this season.
“Defensively, it’s all about attitude and our attitude today was unbelievable to a man. But I want to mention Dan Burn, he’s been our Player of the Season, for me, every game, he’s been outstanding.”
The fact that Arsenal took 23 shots in total and yet managed to register just three on target speaks volumes of how resolute Newcastle were at the back.
The likes of Botman and Hall made key blocks during the contest and aside from the glitz and glamour that Isak, Gordon and Murphy provided up front, it was the heroic defending from Newcastle’s back five that led them to a famous win.
With Arsenal looking to stage an unforgettable comeback in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final, Eddie Howe will have to drill the same never-say-die defensive attitude into his Newcastle side.
