The Gunners lost 2-0 in the first leg at the Emirates, after Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon scored for the Magpies. It means that Arsenal head to St James’ Park for the second leg on Wednesday needing at least a 2-0 win to progress.
Arsenal are in strong form, coming off a 5-1 win against Manchester City over the weekend. Despite the fact that they didn’t make any signings during the January transfer window, they will be feeling confident ahead of the game.
Tottenham will play against Liverpool in the other semi-final. Ange Postecoglou’s side has a 1-0 lead going into the second leg, which will provide a tough test at Anfield against the Premier League leaders.
It is a chance for the first piece of silverware of this season, and the chance for Arsenal to win their first trophy since 2020 when they won the FA Cup under Mikel Arteta.
The EFL appoints officials for Arsenal vs Newcastle United
The EFL has appointed Simon Hooper for the game at St James’ Park on Wednesday night. He has taken charge of 19 matches so far this season, showing 88 yellow cards and two reds.
Hooper was last seen during Nottingham Forest’s 7-0 demolition of Brighton over the weekend. He has refereed three Arsenal games this season, all three of which the Gunners have won. He most notably was put in charge of the North London Derby in January, when Arsenal won 2-1.
During the game, Arsenal scored their equaliser via Leandro Trossard after they were awarded a corner, despite the fact that the ball came off an Arsenal player, and it should have been a goal-kick, however, without the best view, Hooper and his assistants awarded a corner.
Adrian Holmes and Simon Long have been appointed as Hooper’s assistants for the game. They have both worked with Hooper on several occasions this season, including the win against Spurs.
Thomas Bramall will be the fourth official. He has been the main referee in five games this season, including two Premier League games and two Championship games. Bramall was most recently seen as a fourth official in a Europa League game between Braga and Lazio.
John Brooks will be the VAR for the game on Wednesday, he has taken charge of 21 games this season, showing 108 yellow cards. He was last seen as the referee in Crystal Palace’s 2-0 win against Manchester United over the weekend.
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