
Arsenal are heading into the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle at St James’ Park with the odds stacked against them. Mikel Arteta’s side find themselves trailing by two goals after a tough 2-0 loss at home in the first leg, thanks to goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon. However, Arsenal will go into the match with renewed hope following an impressive 5-1 victory over Manchester City in the Premier League, a result that has given them fresh momentum as they look to overturn the deficit. Despite their challenging position, Arsenal have proven their resilience this season and are determined to keep their trophy hopes alive.
Arsenal’s Resilience and the Importance of Momentum
Arsenal face a tough task against Newcastle, who have the advantage going into the second leg of the semi-final. The Gunners will need to overcome the challenge of playing away at St James’ Park, a ground where Newcastle have proven tough to beat. However, Arteta’s side enters the match with momentum after one of their most impressive performances of the season – a dominant 5-1 victory over Manchester City. This victory, coupled with the momentum gained from the match, has provided Arsenal with a renewed sense of confidence heading into the semi-final.
Arteta’s optimism stems from the emotional boost Arsenal received from their dominant win over Manchester City. The manner in which they defeated the reigning Premier League champions has given Arsenal renewed energy and belief. With a clear focus on securing a spot in the Carabao Cup final, Arteta is determined to carry that momentum into the second leg at St James’ Park.
Arteta’s belief in his team was evident as he spoke about the positive impact that the Manchester City victory had on his players. “When you compare the emotional state of the team after the first leg and now after Man City it is very different,” Arteta said. “Next stop is the final. We know how big that is. The buzz the City game gave us and the manner we did it, it is momentum. It is time for full gas and go for it.”
Arsenal’s Recent Form Away from Home
Despite the two-goal deficit, Arsenal will be encouraged by their form on the road this season. The Gunners have been free-scoring away from home, having scored three or more goals in five matches this season. On three occasions, they have scored five goals, showing that they have the attacking capabilities to overcome the deficit against Newcastle. Arsenal’s attacking strength, coupled with their positive mindset after the City win, will give them hope of pulling off an impressive comeback in the second leg.
Arsenal’s away form has been one of the highlights of their season, and they will need to channel that attacking intent at St James’ Park if they are to stand a chance of turning the tie around. With players like Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Eddie Nketiah capable of producing moments of brilliance, Arsenal have the firepower to challenge Newcastle’s defense and put pressure on the home side. Arteta will be hoping that his team can carry the same attacking flair and efficiency that they have shown away from home throughout the campaign.
Newcastle’s Strong Position: Advantage in the Carabao Cup Semi-Final
Newcastle, on the other hand, will be looking to take full advantage of their two-goal lead from the first leg. Eddie Howe’s side have been in strong form this season, and they have one foot firmly in the final after their 2-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium. Isak and Gordon were both on target in the first leg, giving Newcastle a significant advantage heading into the second match. The home side will be confident of their chances, especially with their strong defensive record at St James’ Park.
Newcastle will be aiming to secure a place in the Carabao Cup final for the first time in decades. The Magpies are on a quest for their first major trophy in 56 years, and the Carabao Cup offers a realistic chance for them to end their trophy drought. With a two-goal advantage and home advantage in the second leg, Newcastle are well-placed to progress to the final, but they will be fully aware that Arsenal’s attacking prowess could pose a significant threat.
Newcastle’s Recent Home Struggles: A Glimmer of Hope for Arsenal
Despite Newcastle’s strong position, there are signs of vulnerability at home that Arsenal could exploit. The Magpies have lost their last two home matches, conceding two or more goals in both defeats. On 18 January, they were beaten 4-1 by Bournemouth, and on 1 February, they fell 2-1 to Fulham. These defeats have shown that Newcastle are not invincible at St James’ Park, and Arsenal will look to capitalize on any weaknesses in their defense.
Arsenal’s attacking strength gives them hope that they can exploit these defensive lapses and mount a comeback. The Gunners know that they can score goals in abundance when they are at their best, and with the momentum from their City victory, they will approach the game with confidence. If Arsenal can get an early goal, they could unsettle Newcastle and put pressure on them as the match progresses.
The Historical Challenge: Can Arsenal Overcome the Two-Goal Deficit?

Despite Arsenal’s optimism and attacking capabilities, history is not on their side when it comes to comebacks from a two-goal deficit in an EFL Cup semi-final. In the 31 previous instances of a team losing the first leg of a League Cup semi-final at home, only twice has the beaten team gone on to overturn the deficit and progress to the final. Arsenal themselves were the last team to manage such a feat, doing so against Tottenham in the 1986-87 season.
Further compounding Arsenal’s challenge is the fact that in 32 previous instances where a side lost the first leg by two or more goals, only one team has progressed to the final. Aston Villa pulled off a dramatic comeback in the 1993-94 season, overturning a 3-1 deficit against Tranmere Rovers. This rare achievement highlights the difficulty of turning around a two-goal deficit in this competition, and Arteta will need to motivate his players to defy the odds and write their own chapter in League Cup history.
Can Arsenal Complete the Comeback?
Arsenal’s task is undoubtedly a difficult one, but they have the tools and the mindset to make it happen. The Gunners have shown resilience and attacking quality throughout the season, and if they can carry that momentum from their City victory into the second leg, they could very well find themselves overturning the deficit and progressing to the final. Arteta’s tactical acumen, combined with the attacking talent at his disposal, gives Arsenal a fighting chance of securing a spot in the Carabao Cup final.
The key for Arsenal will be to remain patient and composed throughout the match. They will need to avoid conceding an early goal, which could kill off their hopes of a comeback, and instead focus on creating opportunities and taking their chances when they arise. Arsenal’s recent form, both in terms of results and performances, suggests that they are more than capable of mounting a comeback if they play to their strengths.
Conclusion: Arsenal Final Push for Glory
As Arsenal head to St James’ Park for the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final, they know that they face an uphill battle. However, with the momentum from their impressive 5-1 victory over Manchester City and the attacking quality within their squad, Arsenal will be determined to push for a place in the final. History may not be on their side, but Arteta’s side will be driven by their desire to end their long wait for a League Cup triumph, and with a little bit of magic, Arsenal might just be able to complete the unthinkable and overturn the two-goal deficit.
