Newcastle United cruise past Arsenal to reach cup final

Newcastle United took a massive step toward ending their 56-year wait for a major trophy by securing a place in the Carabao Cup final with a commanding victory over Arsenal on an emotional night at St. James’ Park.

Eddie Howe’s side, holding a 2-0 advantage from the first leg, completed the job in front of their passionate home crowd and will now face either Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley.

With one more win, Newcastle could end their long trophy drought, which dates back to the 1969 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup.

The Magpies started with intensity, with Alexander Isak having a goal disallowed for offside before Jacob Murphy pounced on a rebound in the 19th minute after Isak’s shot struck the post.

The opener came just moments after Arsenal’s Martin Ødegaard missed a golden opportunity, glancing the post when he had only Martin Dúbravka to beat.

In a deafening atmosphere, Newcastle landed the decisive blow in the 52nd minute following a costly mistake by Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.

Attempting to pass to Declan Rice under pressure, Raya saw Fabian Schär steal possession, allowing Anthony Gordon to tap into an empty net and seal Newcastle’s place in the final.

Now, the Magpies will be eager to make up for their EFL Cup final loss to Manchester United two years ago and end their domestic trophy drought, which stretches back to the 1955 FA Cup.