Alexander Isak serves Arsenal painful reminder of glaring transfer need in Carabao Cup lesson
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Arsenal suffered a hammer blow in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals as they were beaten by Newcastle. Eddie Howe’s side ran out 2-0 winners at the Emirates Stadium after Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon struck in either half. The result leaves Arsenal with a mountain to climb going into the second leg, which is at St James’ Park next month.
The Gunners were wasteful in this defeat to Newcastle, squandering plenty of chances to stay in the tie. In the end, they finished the match with 23 shots on goal - but just three of those were on target. Standard Sport’s Simon Collings was at the Emirates to see Arsenal in action and pick out the main talking points….
One chance - that was all Isak needed to make Arsenal pay. Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka launched a free-kick forwards from inside the Newcastle half and centre-back Sven Botman flicked it on. It was poor defending from Arsenal, who allowed Jacob Murphy to guide the ball onto Isak and, once the Swede had it, you knew what was going to happen next.
The striker finished with ease to take his tally for the season to 15. Isak also brought up 50 goals for Newcastle, which have come in no time at all. Since making his debut for the Magpies in August 2022, only Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah have scored more goals in all competitions among Premier League players.
What Arsenal would give for a striker like Isak and this was a painful exhibition of exactly what he would bring to them. Even before his goal, the Swede looked a threat. It is rare that you see William Saliba back off an attacker, or be beaten by one, but Isak caused him problems right from the off.
