LONDON, Jan 8, (V7N) – Newcastle United took a significant step toward the League Cup final with a commanding 2-0 victory over Arsenal in the semi-final first leg at the Emirates on Tuesday.

Goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon secured the win for the Magpies, who are aiming to end their long wait for silverware, having last lifted a major trophy in 1969.

Isak, the most in-form striker in England, opened the scoring with a thunderous strike and played a crucial role in setting up Gordon's second-half goal. The result leaves Arsenal facing an uphill battle in the return leg on February 5 if they are to progress to the final against either Tottenham or Liverpool.

"It's massive. It's a great result, but it's only the first half," said Isak after Newcastle's seventh consecutive win and first victory at the Emirates since 2010. "If we don't go through, then this has no meaning."

Both teams fielded their strongest available line-ups, emphasizing the importance of the tie. Arsenal welcomed back Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard, and Gabriel Martinelli, while Newcastle relied on the clinical form of Isak.

Despite dominating possession and creating more chances, Arsenal failed to capitalize, a lack of cutting-edge finishing proving costly. "That was the biggest difference in the game. In every other aspect, we were the better team," said Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. "I have full belief... I believe we can do it!"

Martinelli came closest for Arsenal, smashing a shot off the post after being set up by Leandro Trossard. Minutes later, Isak punished the Gunners, blasting a loose ball into the net after a long free-kick caused confusion in the Arsenal box.

The goal marked Isak’s 14th in his last 15 games and his 50th for Newcastle, achieved faster than club legend Alan Shearer.

Isak was pivotal again early in the second half, forcing a save from David Raya with a quick shot. Gordon pounced on the rebound, firing home to double Newcastle’s lead.

Arsenal had chances to reduce the deficit but were wasteful, most notably Havertz miscuing a free header with the goal at his mercy.

In the final 20 minutes, Newcastle shut down the game with a defensive 5-5-0 setup, frustrating Arsenal, who sorely missed the creativity of the injured Bukayo Saka.

Newcastle’s resolute display leaves them in a commanding position ahead of the second leg at St. James’ Park. Arsenal will need a near-perfect performance to overturn the deficit and keep their hopes of a trophy under Arteta alive.

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