Newcastle did an excellent job defensively against Arsenal in a scoreless first half. The lads were very disciplined and frustrated the Gunners. However, we created next to nothing and spent much of the final 15 minutes defending.
Prior to the match, it was reported that both Jonjo Shelvey and Callum Wilson were sent home for precautionary reasons. They’ll hopefully be available for Tuesday’s massive match at Sheffield United.
Steve Bruce continued with five at the back though it was unconventional as Isaac Hayden was at center-back with Emil Krafth and Paul Dummett as wing-backs. Sean Longstaff and Jeff Henrick manned the midfield with Joelinton and Miguel Almiron behind Andy Carroll
Arsenal started on the front foot firing away two shots on target in the opening minutes. Both shots were easily collected by Martin Drubravka for his first saves of the season. Newcastle enjoyed a decent spell with plenty of possession after Arsenal’s early efforts. However, the lads couldn’t create any chances.
Newcastle’s first shot came through Andy Carroll after receiving a belated pass from Joelinton, who had made an interception but was ponderous on the ball. Carroll’s shot was easily blocked by an Arsenal defender.
Martin Dubravka made a wonderful save to deny Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the 25th minute. Arsenal took a quick free-kick to free the forward but Dubravka parried it away and Willian’s follow-up effort sailed over the bar.
Newcastle were pegged back for much of the rest of the half with Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney wreaking havoc down his flank. Arsenal won a few corners but weren’t able to threaten Dubravka as Newcastle made some critical clearances, including a couple from Andy Carroll.
Arsenal ended the half on the ascendancy and while they had the better chances only tested Dubravka on Aubameyang’s shot. Newcastle have done little in the final third with no shots on target and winner no corners.
Overall it was a decent first-half but Newcastle need some quality in the final third. Maybe Bruce will hand Elliot Anderson his debut which would be outstanding for the youngster.
103 comments so far
jane
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:21 PM
Comment #81corner at the last
SholaShow
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:22 PM
Comment #82No red.
DAMN!
That chance though……….
The Prince's Mate
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:23 PM
Comment #83Xtra time… well done lads
Tsunki
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:23 PM
Comment #84Our lass thought i was being attacked by a lion ha ha I was shouting that loud at Carroll 😀
IrishRob
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:24 PM
Comment #85How is Carroll still standing, fair play to him! He might be useless but hes ran his socks off and probably been our best player.
Uncertain Toon/World
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:24 PM
Comment #86Still got Gayle the super sub to come on
Tsunki
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:24 PM
Comment #87Anderson was the first player I’ve seen run onto the spot just shows the young lad unlike his team mates had desire pity he couldn’t slot it home.
Australian Pie
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:25 PM
Comment #88So close, Carroll unfortunately has missed the 2 chances of the match
Tsunki
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:25 PM
Comment #89I hope that last push doesn’t mean we’ve shot our bolt.
Australian Pie
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:26 PM
Comment #90Think Hendrick threaded that ball.
To be fair I, thought he has been ok this game, nothing special but hasn’t put a foot wrong
coming home
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:26 PM
Comment #91Can’t bring Gayle on as we already made 3 subs
SholaShow
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:27 PM
Comment #92I’m just glad Andy looks healthier and hungrier than he has since his return.
His contract running out might have something to do with it.
Been tremendous in all but his finishing tonight.
IrishRob
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:27 PM
Comment #935 subs in the cup!
toonluvva
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:28 PM
Comment #94coming home
So why did Bruceless play Lascelles from the start.
JP...from The Rock
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:28 PM
Comment #95Surprised to see us reach extra time. Very surprised.
coming home
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:28 PM
Comment #96Yeah but in 3 exchanges
coming home
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:29 PM
Comment #97Toonluver
No idea
IrishRob
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:30 PM
Comment #98What the hell was Yedlin doing there, he should have been tracking the winger.
TheJimBelow
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:33 PM
Comment #99Carroll so wasteful lad 🙁
IrishRob
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:35 PM
Comment #100Luiz has defended Carroll exceptionally all match tbf.
peterk3
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:36 PM
Comment #101Danny Murphy is a little $hit, gives no credit to Newcastle.
IrishRob
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:41 PM
Comment #102Gayle HAS to come on for Carroll, I dont know how hes expected to even walk around at this stage.
toonluvva
Jan 9, 2021 at 7:51 PM
Comment #103What a surprise a player sent off scores for Arsenal.
VAR at our match but not at others.
I thought the cup competitions were supposed to be played on equal rules.