10 takeaways from Newcastle’s 2-0 win at Arsenal – Part Two

Newcastle United won at the Emirates for the first time since 2010 with goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon securing a massive 2-0 aggregate lead in the first leg of the Carabao Cup Semi-final.

Eddie Howe schooled Mikel Arteta tactically (once again) as the Stoke-of-North-London struggled to make anything from open play. Heroic out of possession, serious and deadly in possession – United were full value for the victory.

For anyone who read part one earlier today, welcome back. Here are our final five key takeaways from the game:

  1. Dubravka’s emotional goodbye

I’ll admit to having a tear in my eye watching the footage of Dubravka appearing to wave goodbye to the fans following the final whistle.

It looks like it could be the perfect send off for the Slovakian – who has become a bit of an unsung hero over this winning run. Admittedly he hasn’t had much to do, but he has brought a new dimension to the side with the ball at his feet – something Nick Pope really struggles with.

To go from a bit of a joke figure following some poor displays last season to apparently leaving on a high, if Dubravka leaves, he will with his head held high and happy memories in the minds of Newcastle fans around the world.

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  1. Mikel’s moaning reaches new low 

Following the game, Mikel Arteta, said of the match ball, ‘It’s just different, very different to a Premier League ball and you have to adapt to that because it flies differently…’

After Ange Postecoglou’s post-match rantings last weekend, it seems that North London is the whingiest corner for football coaches in the country at the moment…

Newcastle played with the same ball, by the way. And it was the same ball that got Arsenal into a semi-final in the first place. Arteta is clearly trying to deflect attention away from his team’s poor display but it’s simply delightful to see United forcing opposition coaches into saying the daftest things. Long may it continue.

  1. England’s full backs for the next ten years

Lewis Hall was sensational on the night. At times he stepped into the Bruno role, drawing fouls and winning freekicks, releasing pressure on the back four and the goalkeeper as arsenal struggled to maintain attacks.

His composure on the ball is second to none and his ability to play out of tight spaces is huge in the high pressing world of Premier League football.

Tino Livramento had a difficult time on the ball in the first ten minutes, but he grew into the game and fully contributed to the outstanding defensive display.

I don’t think he’s on the same level as Lewis Hall (the lad is generational) but he is another in the squad who has such a high ceiling. And he is playing under the right manager to improve his game.

  1. Howe improves players

Jacob Murphy. That’s it, that’s the evidence, as is Lewis Hall based on his incredible development defensively over the past year, along with Joelinton’s transformation. I could go on, but through hard work and hard yards (on both sides – the players and the gaffers) the players levels have skyrocketed to a level few thought possible.

Murphy’s ability ceiling is probably fast approaching, and I still feel an elite right-sided forward should come in, but he has taken the batten and ran with it.

Murphy assisting Isak for the opener meant that the pair have now combined for seven goals in all competitions this season. Outstanding, as was his pass into the Swede in the build up to our second.

  1. One foot in the final?

Maybe, yet the semi-final is still very much alive, but the platform United have built for themselves is impressive and with home advantage in the 2nd leg (and Arsenal having something like eight games between now and then) United have a huge opportunity to get to Wembley for the second time in three seasons.

St. James’ Park will need be a bearpit for the second leg, hopefully in the same vein as PSG at home, and the fans will certainly have to play their part in getting the lads through the game. But with Bruno and Schar available for the 2nd leg – the team will be at full strength (injury permitted) and that will be a huge boost for United.

We’re halfway there, lads and lasses. HWTL

 

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