Alexander Isak and Arsenal narrative
Newcastle United's Swedish striker #14 Alexander Isak celebrates scoring the opening goal during the English League Cup semi-final first leg football match between Arsenal and Newcastle United. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)Newcastle United's Swedish striker #14 Alexander Isak celebrates scoring the opening goal during the English League Cup semi-final first leg football match between Arsenal and Newcastle United. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Newcastle United's Swedish striker #14 Alexander Isak celebrates scoring the opening goal during the English League Cup semi-final first leg football match between Arsenal and Newcastle United. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
When Isak got off the team coach at the Emirates Stadium, one fan shouted ‘welcome home’ while club mascot Gunnersaurus gestured to tell the Swede he should be here.
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Let’s bury this narrative, please! If the Gunners want Isak then they’re going to have to pay A LOT of money for him. £150million? Try £200m at this rate! His price tag is increasing game-by-game.
For the opening 45 minutes, Isak simply terrorised the Gunners’ defence, dancing past players with ease in the opening stages to set up big opportunity for Joelinton and Lewis Hall.
But one chance is all that Isak needed to break the deadlock when Martin Dubravka's free-kick was headed on by Sven Botman and Jacob Murphy flicked the ball forward. Isak shoved Martin Odegaard to create the space and fire the ball in via the underside of the crossbar.
It was Isak’s 50th goal for the Magpies in just 89 appearances.
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“It is a brilliant return,” said Howe. “I think every team needs a good striker and we feel when Callum is fit we’ve got two very good strikers that offer something different.
“I think you can see when Alex is in that mood tonight, like he was in the first-half, he is a brilliant player for us in various ways. The players really appreciate him.
“It goes without saying that he is doing the hard work as well, he’s not just scoring goals but doing the other bits we need him to do to help the team be effective.”
Anthony Gordon replicates Thierry Henry celebration
Newcastle United's English midfielder #10 Anthony Gordon (C) celebrates scoring the team's second goal during the English League Cup semi-final first leg football match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium, in London on January 7, 2025. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)Newcastle United's English midfielder #10 Anthony Gordon (C) celebrates scoring the team's second goal during the English League Cup semi-final first leg football match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium, in London on January 7, 2025. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)
Newcastle United's English midfielder #10 Anthony Gordon (C) celebrates scoring the team's second goal during the English League Cup semi-final first leg football match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium, in London on January 7, 2025. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) | AFP via Getty Images
It’s Isak who is often compared to Arsenal legend Thierry Henry but Anthony Gordon decided to replicate the Frenchman’s iconic corner flag celebration.
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“I had it in my mind before the game, Henry is just a legend isn't he?” Gordon explained. “He's one of the best ever in the Premier League so what better place to do the celebration than the Emirates? I hope it wasn't taken as disrespectful, it was meant as a compliment to him really - an iconic player, a left-winger - a great moment.”
At that moment, it was hard to believe Newcastle were 2-0 up at the Emirates, a ground they hadn’t won at in almost 15 years. Indeed, that was the Gunners’ first home defeat since April.
Eddie Howe tactical masterclass
Newcastle United's English head coach Eddie Howe reacts during the English League Cup semi-final first leg football match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium, in London on January 7, 2025. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)Newcastle United's English head coach Eddie Howe reacts during the English League Cup semi-final first leg football match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium, in London on January 7, 2025. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)
Newcastle United's English head coach Eddie Howe reacts during the English League Cup semi-final first leg football match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium, in London on January 7, 2025. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) | AFP via Getty Images
Howe got everything, and I mean everything, right at the Emirates. It was indeed a tactical masterclass.
For 50 minutes at least, Newcastle played their own game and nullified Arsenal, the exception being when Gabriel Martinelli hit the post. It’s easy to see why Mikel Arteta’s side are being labelled the new Stoke City, as they only threatened mostly from long balls and set pieces.
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The second-half wasn’t pretty, Howe admitted as much, but the United boss did what he needed to do to get his side over the line.
He didn’t waste time with his substitutions - Isak was knackered, so off he came on the hour-mark. Gordon too tired and from 76 minutes onwards, Howe went 5-5-0. Not quite Mike Bassett, but there’s a joke in there somewhere.
Sven Botman and Dan Burn were immense, Lewis Hall again proved why many hail him as the best left-back in the Premier League currently.
Away wins at Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal in the space of eight days, it has been some week. But last night was the best of them all.
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Farewell Martin Dubravka?
Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka. Dubravka has been linked with a move away from St James' Park this month.Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka. Dubravka has been linked with a move away from St James' Park this month.
Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka. Dubravka has been linked with a move away from St James' Park this month. | Getty Images
An emotional Martin Dubravka stood alone in front of the 6,000 travelling Geordies at full-time in what felt like a goodbye.
Howe doesn’t want it to be Dubravka’s farewell. Newcastle’s boss revealed in his post-match press conference that it is his wish for the Slovakian to be offered a new contract.
It very much boils down to football logic and business logic. Football logic tells you to keep a goalkeeper, who since coming into the side has won all seven games and kept five clean sheets in the process.
Business logic, which falls under sporting director Paul Mitchell’s remit, suggests it might be wise to make some money on a player who can walk away for free in the summer. With Nick Pope nearing a return, Dubravka - rightly or wrongly - might not be in the team in a month’s time.
In my opinion, football logic should prevail this time, despite the continued need for Newcastle to be better sellers. With European qualification and a Carabao Cup final on the horizon, it is too big of a risk.
But if it is to be Dubravka’s last appearance in black and white then what a way to sign off. He’s been an incredible servant.
The message is clear
The message is clear, it’s only half-time in this tie. With the second leg at St James’ Park not taking place until Wednesday, February 5, who knows what state the two teams will be in come then.
But make no doubt about it, this is an opportunity Newcastle United simply cannot throw away. Supporters headed to North London talking of a 1-0 defeat being a good result. Where the tie stands currently was beyond many people’s thoughts and Howe’s men must take full advantage
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