EFL Cup — Arsenal 0-2 Newcastle - Match Report: Isak turns Gunners into Gooners

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The Swede might eventually play in London but a Goon he's not yet.

Newcastle United defeated Arsenal 2–0 at the Emirates Stadium in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final, placing a foot and a half in the final already.

Goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon gave Eddie Howe's team a significant advantage ahead of the second leg at St. James' Park in February.

After the match, Howe emphasized nothing has been accomplished yet with 90 minutes still to be played at SJP.

"It's a good result, but the tie is far from over. Arsenal are a quality side, and we'll need to be at our best at home to finish the job," Howe said.

Arsenal began strongly, creating several early chances through set pieces and open play. Declan Rice's corners caused problems for the Magpies and Gabriel Martinelli struck the post in the 29th minute with the home side's best opportunity.

Despite Arsenal's pressure, Newcastle took the lead in the 37th minute. Martin Dubravka's free-kick was flicked on by Sven Botman, and Jacob Murphy set up Isak, who finished with a powerful left-footed strike off the crossbar.

In the second half, Newcastle doubled their lead in the 54th minute. Isak forced a save from David Raya after combining with Murphy, and Gordon reacted quickly to convert the rebound.

Arsenal struggled to break through Newcastle's organized defense and Howe's 5-5-0 formation following Isak's departure midway through the second half, and the hosts went back to sleep anxious and depleted.

While Arsenal's xG (expected goals) of 3.12 highlighted their missed opportunities and marked a record among EPL teams this season in matches they haven't scored a goal, Newcastle's defense held firm, securing their fifth clean sheet in seven matches.

"It was a really interesting game. We started off on the front foot, we tried to take the game to them and be ourselves which we thought was really important, Howe said. "Then we fatigued, the players have given so much in recent games. Then it was about mentality to defend and we did that really well.

"We know what's at stake. The players put their bodies on the line and put their fatigue aside. We had a couple of injury problems at half time which we were trying to manage in the game.

"This is a tough ground and we've suffered here previously. Today is another big step forward when you look at the recent run we've had away from home."

Newcastle's win extends their current streak to seven consecutive victories in all competitions. With two goals and a solid defensive performance, they move closer to reaching a second Carabao Cup final in three years.

"We know in the second leg we have our supporters with us which is going to be hugely important but we're still going to need to do everything right to get through this tie," Howe said.

The second leg will be played on Feb. 5 at St. James' Park as NUFC will try to clinch their place in the final two years after making it there only to lose to Manchester United at the very end.