Newcastle coach Eddie Howe praised his players’ aggression in securing a 4-0 aggregate win over Arsenal to reach the Carabao Cup final.
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Newcastle reaches Carabao Cup final
Forward Alexander Isak scored both of Newcastle’s goals in their 2-0 first-leg win and played a key role again on Wednesday.
Isak’s shot hit the post in the 19th minute, but Jacob Murphy slotted home the rebound.
The Sweden international turned Arsenal’s centre-back William Saliba with a clever pass to Anthony Gordon, then fired a powerful shot that struck David Raya’s post which sealed the victory.
“It’s an amazing feeling,” Howe said.
“It was a great night for us. Tactically we were good. The players followed their instructions to the letter. It’s definitely up there with our best performances. There is a balance and a sweet spot in our game we need to get right. Tonight it was perfect.”
“We were brave, we were aggressive, we were everything we wanted to be against a very good team. The players have given us everything, mentally and physically.”
“We’re there on merit”
Newcastle has not won a major trophy since 1955, but has reached the final of this competition for the second time in three seasons.
It is 70 years since the Magpies lifted a major domestic trophy by winning the 1955 FA Cup.
Howe’s team were beaten 2-0 by Manchester United in the 2023 League Cup final.
“The first Wembley was brilliant, a bit unexpected, but we need to be there regularly,” Howe said.
“We need to feel like we’re there on merit, it’s not a surprise. We are there on merit, our run has not been easy this year, we’ve faced four Premier League teams, so we have done the hard yards.”
With the win, Newcastle will face Liverpool or Tottenham in the final at Wembley on March 16.
The Spurs hold a 1-0 lead heading into Thursday’s second leg at Anfield.
