'Dominant': Anthony Gordon makes claim about how Arsenal play immediately after Newcastle's 2-0 win
Yesterday at 03:15 AM
Newcastle United executed Eddie Howe's game plan perfectly in their 2-0 win against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final.
Despite Arsenal's formidable record at home under Mikel Arteta, Newcastle were able to perform something of a 'smash and grab' job in north London, one that will be hard for the Gunners to turn around at St James' Park.
Arsenal outperformed Newcastle in terms of their xG, but in reality, Martin Dubravka wasn't forced into too many difficult saves when defending his clean sheet, which could be his last in black and white.
Alexander Isak was a big talking point of the tie, the scorer of Newcastle's opening goal.
Arsenal still want Isak according to reports, even if they might be equally crying out for a winger of Anthony Gordon's quality.
Anthony Gordon says that Arsenal are usually ‘dominant’ at the Emirates
Gordon scored Newcastle's second goal in their 2-0 win, anticipating a rebound from David Raya's save, beating Jurrien Timber to the ball.
And when speaking after the game to various media outlets, Gordon made a few different comments about Arsenal's strengths at the Emirates following full-time.
READ MORE: Brighton open talks to steal £25m signing ahead of Arsenal and Chelsea
Speaking to ITV Football initially, Gordon said he knew it would be difficult to control the game away to the Gunners, who are 'dominant' in N5.
He said: "We knew what type of game it would be, they’re dominant at home. It was always going to be a smash-and-grab."
Then, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Gordon also spoke about how good Arsenal usually are defensively, a back-line he's now punished on two occasions this season, also providing a brilliant assist against them in the Premier League.
Gordon added: "Every one to a man was top-level. Coming to the place is so hard and they defend really well."
Of course Newcastle were able to perform their own defensive masterclass at the Emirates, almost playing in a 5-5 formation once Howe had made his changes.
Mikel Arteta is desperate for Arsenal to sign players this month
As expected, Arteta seemed very frustrated after full-time, a manager who has rarely spent big on attacking players since he came to Arsenal.
Now, it seems as if the club's strategy needs to change in the short-term, or another season is at risk of being trophyless.
Arsenal know their perfect signing this month, an Isak alternative given that the Newcastle striker will definitely be going nowhere mid-season.
Arteta and his side do deserve sympathy – almost any side would struggle if they lost their most influential attacker like Bukayo Saka.
But the Gunners have the chance to remedy their situation this month, a window they can no longer afford to ignore.
