Mikel Arteta sends Alexander Isak message after Newcastle star had Arsenal pair 'on toast'

Mikel Arteta refused to get drawn on Alexander Isak's performance but confessed it was "clear" the influence he had on Newcastle's win. The Gunners were left licking their wounds as their Carabao Cup hopes were ended at St James' Park. The north Londoners trailed 2-0 from the first leg and were beaten by the same scoreline as Isak inspired the Magpies to another final in the competition. The Swede, who has been linked with a mega-money move to Arsenal, was sensational from minute one en route to his Player of the Match award. Isak has enjoyed his best season to date and caused continuous problems from the usually dominant Gunners backline.

Newcastle's frontman had an early goal ruled out for offside after a stunning finish before his neat touch and movement helped Jacob Murphy score the game's opening goal. Arteta said: "I’m not here to evaluate opposition players but it’s clear that he had two actions to finish and you know what happened.". Isak was eventually brought off in the latter stages with Newcastle's victory all but assured. He failed to get on the scoresheet but was the game's outstanding player and Gary Neville was impressed with how many issues he caused William Saliba and Gabriel.

Neville said: "It’s all about Isak. He is messing the Arsenal centre backs about. Look at him against Saliba, he (Saliba) thinks he has got in front and he pops it round the corner. What a strike it is, and a piece of good fortune because the pass isn’t into him and it then falls to Murphy. But he has Gabriel and Saliba on toast.". The Sky Sports pundit later doubled down on his point, insisting it was rare to have seen Saliba caused so many problems as he added: "I have never seen Saliba so ruffled ever. Gordon and Isak are in his head.".

Eddie Howe is seeking to end Newcastle's lengthy wait for a trophy as the ambitious outfit await either Liverpool or Tottenham in the final. The Magpies boss has continued to underline their desire to retain Isak's services and admits their plans from minute one was to go after the Arsenal centre-half duo. He said: "We wanted to get pressure on them [William Saliba and Gabriel] and in order to do that we had to get bodies in the right areas and press high - that is how we decided to do it.".

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