The Carabao Cup takes center stage in midweek as Arsenal host Newcastle United in the first leg of their semifinal tie. The Gunners will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing 1-1 draw against Brighton in the Premier League at the weekend. Despite dropping points in the title race, Arsenal extended their unbeaten run to 13 games in all competitions.
Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, was quick to point out that Brighton needed a “bizarre” penalty to equalize against his side. However, the draw has left Arsenal’s title hopes hanging in the balance. The Gunners will be looking to reach their first League Cup final since 2017/18, and their 13-match unbeaten home run against Newcastle suggests they have a good chance of taking a lead to St. James’ Park.
Newcastle, however, will not be easy opponents. The Magpies have won their last six competitive games and are one of the form teams in the country. They have already won once in north London in the last seven days, beating Tottenham 2-1 on Saturday. Newcastle’s manager, Eddie Howe, will be confident that his team can secure a good result to take back to the North East for the second leg.
Newcastle have a poor traveling record against Arsenal, but they have been in good form on the road, with just one defeat from their last six away games. They have also reached a League Cup final more recently than Arsenal, overcoming a two-legged semifinal to reach the 2022/23 showpiece event.
Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus is one player to watch, as he jointly tops the Carabao Cup scoring chart this season. Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon could also be a key player, as three of his five goals this term have made the score 1-1. The designated home side has not kept a clean sheet in any of Arsenal’s last seven Carabao Cup games, which could be a concern for Arteta’s team.
The match promises to be an exciting encounter between two teams in good form. Arsenal will be looking to take a lead to St. James’ Park, while Newcastle will be hoping to secure a good result to take back to the North East for the second leg.
