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      Arsenal 0 Newcastle 2: Alexander Isak channels inner Thierry Henry as Mikel Arteta’s trophy wait looks destined to go on

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      THE comparisons between Alexander Isak and Thierry Henry are frequent and obvious.And here, against the club where the great Frenchman became Invincible, Newcastle’s lethal Swede sent his side to the brink of a second Carabao Cup Final in three years.Alexander Isak fired Newcastle to victory in the first leg of their Carabao semi against ArsenalCredit: ReutersAnthony Gordon was also in target as Toon won 2-0 at the EmiratesCredit: GettyArsenal failed to get going on a miserable night for their fansCredit: GettyThe Gunners will need a miracle to turn things around at St James’ ParkCredit: GettyJust a month ago, the Geordie Arabia revolution seemed to have stalled.After a miserable beating at Brentford, Eddie Howe’s men were marooned in the bottom half of the Premier League table with the club’s spending plans frustrated by Profit and Sustainability Rules.The turnaround since has been staggering – seven straight victories, powered by Isak’s goals.Like Henry, he is tall, languid, dangerous coming off the left flank and dead-eyed in front of goal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHere, he netted a tenth goal in nine appearances, then produced the shot which led to Anthony Gordon’s second.Arsenal’s hopes in the second leg – which is, ridiculously, being staged four weeks from now on February 5 – are slim, approaching zero.This was a hideous night for Mikel Arteta who saw his own set-piece specialists concede from the most basic of up-and-under free-kicks.The Gunners dominated possession and the shot count but were hopeless in both boxes.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWithout Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard seems to lack spark and Arsenal are often prone to looking bang average in attack. Arsenal have seven fixtures in three different competitions before the return leg. Perhaps this will give them time to forget what a disaster this first leg had been.Arsenal player vs Newcastle in the Carabao Cup first leg tie at the Emirates (1)Arsenal haven’t won the League Cup for 32 years, while Newcastle have never got their hands on the trophy.And while Arteta has propelled the Gunners into title contention over the previous couple of seasons, his side haven’t won any silverware since his old mate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang fired them to the FA Cup in 2020. Howe’s men, who had racked up countless celebratory dressing-room teamshots on their recent winning run – were without the suspended Bruno Guimaraes but it scarcely seemed to matter.After dropping points at Brighton on Saturday, the Gunners welcomed back Kai Havertz, who’d missed the previous two matches through illness. The clashes between these two sides became extremely heated over the past couple – Arteta spewing that his side had been robbed at St James’ Park last season.Arsenal ratings vs Newcastle as Havertz fluffs golden chance with academy statlet the only bright light for GunnersARSENAL have a mountain to climb to reach the Carabao Cup final after a shock 2-0 first-leg defeat to Newcastle.Here SunSport’s Jordan Davies rates every Arsenal player on a disappointing night at the Emirates…DAVID RAYA – 6/10Looked nervy with ball at feet at times but could do nothing to stop Alexander Isak’s brilliant close-range finish.Unlucky to see his palmed save tapped in by Anthony Gordon.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 8The academy product was very impressive again. Turned out of danger well at both ends of the pitch. So calm under pressure.GABRIEL – 6Gave Isak far too much space to manoeuvre a shot in the box before the Toon’s second. Wasteful and ineffective from corners.WILLIAM SALIBA – 6Had an early effort blocked near the line by Dan Burn. Was dealing with Isak well until losing a header to Sven Botman that saw the Toon striker score.JURRIEN TIMBER – 5Missed an absolute sitter from a yard out from a corner.Was then caught sleeping just after the break to allow Gordon to double Newcastle’s lead.THOMAS PARTEY – 6Linked defence and attack fairly well without ever really doing anything spectacular.DECLAN RICE – 6Plays Jacob Murphy onside from a flicked on free-kick that leads to Newcastle taking the lead.Took more responsibility in the second half on the ball.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 7Heavily man-marked by Joelinton but looked back to his very best after a spate of illness.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 8Much more direct in his running. Unlucky not to open the scoring with his driven shot hitting the post after a half-way line sprint.Continued to be positive in his play – just lacked the finishing touch.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6Sneakily got away with dragging Isak down to stop the Swede joining a Newcastle counter in the first half and a good first-time pass to set Martinelli away. Those were his only highlights.KAI HAVERTZ – 5May just be back from a sickness bug, but the big German did very little, apart from somehow fluffing a header wide unmarked from six yards.SUBS:JORGINHO (PARTEY, 59) – 7Some nice passes into dangerous areas and sprayed the ball about with conviction.GABRIEL JESUS (TROSSARD, 59) – 6Lively and sharp without every really testing Newcastle’s back four or goal.OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO (LEWIS-SKELLY, 77) – 5Booked within a minute of coming on for a rash challenge on Joelinton.Isak gave Newcastle the lead in the 37th minuteCredit: GettyThe striker kept his amazing goal-scoring run goingCredit: ReutersEarly on, Joelinton spooned a shot over early on, then William Saliba had a shot blocked by Dan Burn.The Geordie alarm bells started ringing when Arsenal won one of their dreaded corners – Declan Rice whipped an in-swinger and Jurrien Timber rose to head over from close range.It was end to end and compelling. Soon, Isak was wriggling free and teeing up Lewis Hall for a shot which Saliba hacked clear.Arsenal had been struggling to break down Newcastle’s defence but when they were able to sit deep and launch a counter, Arteta’s men were inches away from the lead.Leandro Trossard released Gabriel Martinelli, who galloped clear from the halfway line and drilled a shot against the post. Gordon doubled Toon’s lead early in the second halfCredit: GettyHis strike sent the visiting fans into rapturesCredit: AFPWhen another Rice corner arrived, Toon keeper Martin Dubravka dropped it, causing an almighty scramble with Timber attempting a back-heel Sven Botman making a saving block from Havertz.So it was against the run of play when Newcastle grabbed the lead, Martin Dubravka punted a free-kick forward, Botman won a header and Jacob Murphy was able to tee up Isak to ram home off the underside of the bar.Arsenal’s defending resembled a game of musical statues – freeze when the ball comes close – and Arteta was raging on the touchline. His side have earned many comparisons with Tony Pulis’ Stoke, due to their attacking set-piece prowess but that bruising Potters side would never have conceded this goal.For Isak, it was a 50th Newcastle strike in just 89 appearances.Kai Havertz was guilty of missing several clear chancesCredit: GettyThe German looked off the pace on his return from injuryCredit: ReutersJoelinton was booked for chopping down Thomas Partey on the edge of the Newcastle box but Odegaard planted the resulting free-kick into the wall.It summed up a frustrating first half for the hosts.But far worse was to come at the start of the second half, when Murphy picked out Isak with a sweet pass and the Swede’s shot, bound for the far corner, was pushed out by David Raya, only as far as Gordon who beat Timber to poke home the rebound.Once more Arsenal’s defending left much to be desired.Havertz was soon heading wide, seemingly in slow motion, when Trossard located him four yards out.Arteta sent for Gabriel Jesus and Jorginho but his side continued to pass up opportunities and began to run out of ideas.READ MORE SUN STORIESMikel Arteta has plenty to think about for the return legCredit: EPANewcastle have one foot in the final at WembleyCredit: GettyNewcastle froze when they faced Manchester United in the final of this competition two years ago.But unless there is a miracle in that distant second leg, the Toon Army will be marching on Wembley again with genuine hope of a first major trophy in 56 years. 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      Arsenal 0-2 Newcastle LIVE RESULT: Gunners left with mountain to climb in Carabao Cup semi-final after superb Toon win

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      NEWCASTLE have beaten Arsenal in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.The Magpies took the lead against the run of play after the in-form Alexander Isak slammed home on 37 minutes.Just after half-time, Anthony Gordon doubled Newcastle’s lead with a close-range finish to leave the Gunners with a mountain to climb in the second leg on Tyneside.Arsenal travel to the North East for the return leg on February 5 – and Mikel Arteta’s men are in need of something special.Match result: Arsenal 0-2 Newcastle (1st leg)Arsenal team: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Rice, Partey, Odegaard; Martinelli, Havertz, TrossardNewcastle team: Dubravka; Livramento, Botman, Burn, Hall; Joelinton, Tonali, Willock; Murphy, Isak, GordonFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…Arteta needs to strengthen for challengeDespite finishing runners-up to Man City for the last two seasons, North London has not seen a trophy since 2020.This evening’s performance showed that when they strongest isn’t available, The Gunners do not have enough creativity or potent scorers in the final third.If they want to challenge for major honours this season, Mikel Arteta needs to bring in reinforcements in the January transfer window.Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedNewcastle with chance to climbBetween now and the second leg, Eddie Howe will change his attentions to the Premier League.Their run of fixtures are games that they would say are more than winnable to put pressure on those top four places.It would also mean coming into this second-leg with confiidence sky high to get the job done.Copy linkCopiedHowe reflects on big London victoryThe Newcastle manager looked back at the performance as he gave his thoughts to Sky Sports:We started on front foot and tried to take the game to them. Then it was about our mentality to defend and we did it really well. We know what’s at stake, we put our bodies on the line. This is a tough ground, we have suffered here previously. We still have a tough game ahead at home. We are still going to need to everything right to get through this tie.Eddie HoweNewcastleCopy linkCopiedMan of the moment for MagpiesThe one thing Newcastle may have to do this month is bat away enquires about Alexander Isak.He is one the most in-form strikers in Europe right now and nobody can argue with the stats he is producing.Rarely does the Swede spurn a chance and his clinical finishing is the envy of many big clubs.Another man of the match performance from Isak for The Magpies.Credit: GettyCredit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedBoss focussing on positivesMikel Arteta spoke with Sky Sports after the match, reflecting on how he saw the game this evening.In any other aspect we were the better team. It was just scoring goals. Obviously when we missed the chances we did, we reacted. They blocked a lot of shots, we can do better. We had a one vs one chance with the keeper, that was the biggest chance of the game. I’ve seen the goal, the ball bounces and he puts it away. We have to disappointed, it is another result they did not deserve.Mikel ArtetaArsenalCopy linkCopiedMagpies spring surprise at EmiratesNewcastle can be proud of their performance in the Carabao Cup semi-final this evening.They came into the game with nobody giving them a chance and showed what they were all about against The Gunners.Eddie Howe’s side seem to have Arsenal’s game sussed out and set themselves up well to counter it.They can take a lot of confidence from this result when travelling to other big teams in the remainder of the season.Credit: PACredit: PACopy linkCopiedGunners needing too rediscover formArsenal have a little break from Premier League duties as Mikel Arteta focusses on a FA Cup tie with Man Utd.The Spaniard needs to help his side find their mojo once again as they start to blunt in attack.This result will hurt, the tie is not over, but they have given themselves a mountain to climb next month.Copy linkCopiedToon Army relish trip to capitalOn a cold winter evening in North London, the travelling Newcastle fans loved every minute of this game.At a ground they have an abysmal record at, they stuck to their tactics and dealt with Mikel Arteta’s men.They now take a two-goal advantage into the second-leg at an intimidating St James’ Park.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedClueless Arsenal struggle to find grooveA lot has been said about the attacking threat of Mikel Arteta’s side but this was another example of quite the opposite.They dominated possession but when they got into the final third, they seemed to have run out of ideas on how to create goals.It seems there is far too much of a reliance on set-pieces being their route to goals and run the risk of being found out this season.Saka’s return to fitness cannot come quick enough for The Gunners.Credit: ReutersCredit: EPACopy linkCopiedSwede smell of success for AlexanderSpeaking with Sky Sports after the game, Newcastle’s striker spoke ahead of being given the man of the match award:I think we have been very solid defensively. Then we have a lot of quality up top. Jacob with the assist for me again. He seems to get in good positions and find me a lot, which is good for me. We came here with the intention to bring a good result home, which we did.Alexander Isak NewcastleCopy linkCopiedGunners with time on their handsArsenal will have some time to dwell on this result and try to plan how they get back into this semi-final in the return leg.The match at St James’ Park is just under a month from today, with plenty of football to be played inbetween.It will be a tough ask to go The Magpies’ stadium and turn this around, it will be a cauldron of noise for their arrival.Copy linkCopiedBrazilian carries out orders to perfectionIt was easy to see from the first few minutes of the game that Eddie Howe had told Joelinton to track Odegaard wherever he went.As soon as the ball came into the Norwegian, before he had time to think, Joelinton was all over him.The Brazilian put in a brilliant peformance, doing a job that often goes unnoticed in the modern game.Arsenal’s playmaker went seriously missing tonight as a result.Copy linkCopiedFT: Arsenal 0-2 NewcastleIt is an impressive win for The Magpies in the capital.Nobody gave them a chance coming into this game, maybe people are giving this Arsenal side too much credit.Isak terrified the hosts’ defence every minute he spent on the pitch this evening.Copy linkCopiedFT: Arsenal 0-2 NewcastleThe referee brings the game to a close.Eddie Howe’s side had done a real number on The Gunners here in North London.A deserved win for The Magpies in the capital.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-2 Newcastle90+4. The stadium has emptied out like there is a David Ginola tribute on in The Emirates.Nothing like seeing it through to the end.It all looks like nothing but desperation from the hosts now.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-2 Newcastle90+2. Newcastle are camped out in their own half now.Jesus looks to square the ball to nobody but fortunately Joelinton puts it behind for a corner.Chance for that legendary set-piece team to rock up here.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-2 Newcastle90. Another hopeful ball is sent into the box.As it is sliced into the air, Dubravka gathers with a huge cheer from the away end.This result has certainly made that long trip from Newcastle seem worth it tonight.We are going to have five added minutes, lord only knows where they get this time from.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-2 Newcastle88. Jorginho has a sight of goal but sends his shot high into the stands.This has been a dreadful display from Arteta’s side and they deserve the scoreline to boot.It is all too predictable and The Magpies have simply played like they have seen this script unfold many times before.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedArsenal 0-2 Newcastle86. This result and the draw on the weekend will give the rest of the Premier League some confidence when playing The Gunners.Arsenal win a free-kick in a dangerous position as Almiron fouls Rice.Odegaard swings the resulting dead ball into the box but it is easily headed away by the visitors.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-2 Newcastle84. It is like the old Highbury library in North London again.Martinelli tries to make something happen as he lifts a ball into the box.This is just meat and drink to Burn and Botman.Jesus is penalised for a clear foul in the box but still has a lot to say about the decision.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-2 Newcastle82. Time is starting to run out for The Gunners.The ball is lofted in towards Havertz wide in the box.He takes it on his chest and tries a shot from a ridiculous angle and it deflects wide for a corner.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-2 Newcastle80. It shows the lack of depth Arteta has at Arsenal.Two-nil down, chasing the game, all he has to bring on is an injury-prone left back.To his credit he is much more of an attacking threat than he is a defender.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-2 Newcastle78. Zinchenko comes on for The Gunners, replacing Lewis-Skelly.Newcastle look content to hold onto what they have now.Without Isak on the pitch, there is very little attacking threat.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-2 Newcastle76. Joelinton is bundled over by a tag team of Saliba and Jorginho.They have a lot to say for themselves the Arsenal players when things are not going their way.Almiron comes on for Gordon for the visitors.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedArsenal 0-2 Newcastle74. Eddie Howe readies another change on the touchline.It looks like Miguel Almiron is going to join the action.Gordon is looking so isolated playing in that centre-forward position whenever The Magpies look to come forward.Copy linkCopied More

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      Who is Arsenal vs Newcastle referee John Brooks and how will in-stadium VAR announcements work?

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      ARSENAL welcome Premier League rivals Newcastle United to the Emirates for the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final TONIGHT.The Gunners will be looking to go into February’s return leg in the North East with a healthy advantage.Arsenal and Newcastle go head-to-head in the Carabao Cup semi-finalCredit: GettyBut the Magpies arrive in the capital on a superb run of form after six straight wins in all competitions.Toon boss Eddie Howe will know the huge opportunity his side has to end Newcastle’s near 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy this season.Mikel Arteta will see the competition as an opportunity to add to his slim trophy cabinet from his Arsenal tenure.The Gunners have been one of the best teams in Europe under the Spaniard, but they have won just the 2020 FA Cup since he arrived in North London.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHistory will be made during tonight’s blockbuster Carabao Cup semi-final between Arsenal and Newcastle, with VAR trialling in-stadium announcements this evening.How will in-stadium VAR announcements work?VAR has not been in use for any Carabao Cup matches this season.However, it will feature in this week’s semi-finals – and for the first time in the English domestic game, in-stadium VAR announcements will be trialled.This means the crowd inside the stadium and fans watching at home on the TV will be able to hear referees announce final decisions after they have been advised to go to the pitchside monitor.Most read in FootballThat said, it will not be the case for decisions made not using the monitor.A referee announcing decisions to the crowd isn’t totally new to the world of football, as it was trialled at the Women’s World Cup in 2023.But it has never been in operation during an English football match until this week.A statement from the PGMOL, the referees’ body, said: “Referees will announce the final decision following a visit to the VAR pitchside monitor or upon the conclusion of factual matters, such as accidental handball by a goalscorer or offside offences where the attacker touches the ball.”The referee who will take charge of the historic match at the Emirates is John Brooks.Who is referee John Brooks?John Brooks will referee tonight’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg between Arsenal and Newcastle.Brooks is a football referee from the UK, who has risen up the ranks at a relatively young age.He was born in 1990, and is from Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire.Brooks began refereeing in 2004, and the majority of matches he has officiated in his career have been in the Championship.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe officiated his first Premier League game in December 2021, with Brooks in charge of Wolves vs Burnley at Molineux.He has been in charge of 54 top-flight games, with nine coming this season. More

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      Arsenal vs Newcastle live stream FREE: How to watch huge Carabao Cup semi-final first leg

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      ARSENAL and Newcastle are set to battle at the Emirates in the first leg of their thrilling Carabao Cup semi-final – and fans can watch it for FREE!The Gunners got off to the worst possible start in their quarter-final clash against Crystal Palace as they conceded inside the first four minutes.Gabriel Jesus’ hat-trick fired Arsenal into the semisCredit: APSandro Tonali bagged two against BrentfordCredit: GettyArsenal vs Newcastle LIVEHowever, Gabriel Jesus’ spectacular hat-trick fired Mikel Arteta’s men to a crucial comeback win, booking their spot in the last-4.As for Newcastle, their night was a lot more straight forward as Sandro Tonali’s double and Fabian Schar’s 69th minute strike helped the Toon brush Brentford aside.But Eddie Howe will expect a much tougher test in the first leg of this moutwatering Carabao Cup semi.Read more on ArsenalAnd SunSport can reveal how fans can watch the entire action for free below.How to watch Arsenal vs Newcastle for FREEArsenal’s thrilling Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle will be broadcast live for FREE on ITV 1 in the UK.Fans also have the option to stream the entire action for FREE on the ITV X app which is available to download via any compatible mobile device or tablet.Kick-off for the huge match is scheduled to get underway at 8pm GMT and the semi-final will take place on Tuesday, January 7.Who is playing in the other Carabao Cup semi-final?Tottenham are set to take on defending champions Liverpool in the other Carabao Cup semi-final.The first leg of this blockbuster tie is scheduled for Wednesday, January 8.Most read in FootballSpurs progressed to the semi-finals after beating Manchester United in a 4-3 thriller.While Liverpool escaped St Mary’s with a 2-1 victory.Carabao Cup full scheduleTuesday, January 7Arsenal vs Newcastle (1st leg)Wednesday, January 8Tottenham vs Liverpool (1st leg)Wednesday, February 5Newcastle vs Arsenal (2nd leg)READ MORE SUN STORIESThursday, February 6Liverpool vs Tottenham (2nd leg) More

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      Fans only just realising they can watch Arsenal vs Newcastle for FREE as they are hit with broadcasting dilemma

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      FOOTBALL fans will be able to watch the Carabao Cup semi-final between Arsenal and Newcastle for FREE tonight.Two channels will battle it out for ratings in a major broadcasting change.Tonight’s Carabao Cup semi-final will be broadcast live on ITV and Sky SportsCredit: GettyArsenal host Newcastle at the Emirates StadiumCredit: GettyNewcastle will be missing some key playersCredit: GettyThe Carabao Cup is typically shown on Sky Sports – which costs at least £20 per-month.However, ITV has agreed to show two of the four semi-final games this season.The free-to-air network will show the first leg of Arsenal vs Newcastle and the second leg of Liverpool vs Tottenham – which takes place on February 6.Sky Sports will continue to broadcast all four matches.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe final is also set to be shown live on ITV as well as Sky, making it free to view for British audiences.ITV’s agreement with the EFL and Sky also includes 10 Championship matches each full season.Niall Sloane, ITV Director of Sport said: “This deal brings viewers free to air coverage of top level knockout football over the coming years, as well as standout matches from the EFL, adding regular live matches to our highlights shows.”We’re looking forward to bringing fans some superb action and insight from this new, fuller EFL package across the next few seasons.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMark Pougatch is in line to front ITV’s coverage alongside Arsenal legend Ian Wright and former Newcastle star Les Ferdinand.Sam Matterface and Lee Dixon will be on commentary for the semi-final clash.Arsenal player ratings: Ethan Nwaneri is perfect Bukayo Saka replacement but Gabriel Jesus goes missing against BrightonArsenal approach tonight’s match with a series of illness and injury doubts.Bukayo Saka remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, with his replacement, Ethan Nwaneri, also unavailable due to a muscle injury.Meanwhile, Kai Havertz could return after missing back-to-back games through illness.As for Newcastle, Fabian Schar and Bruno Guimaraes will not feature due to their respective suspensions.How Howe turned Toon around WITHOUT Saudi billionsBY GARY STONEHOUSEEDDIE HOWE has got “the richest club in the world” fighting for honours regularly again despite not being able to blow the big Saudi bucks.The 47-year-old achieved legendary status at Bournemouth by guiding the then-skint Cherries all the way from League Two into the Premier League promised land.Now he is potentially on the verge of writing his name into Newcastle’s history books if he can end their 70-year wait for a major trophy.Howe came mightily close two years ago when he and the Magpies suffered heartbreak in the Carabao Cup final against Manchester United.Qualifying for the Champions League with a fourth-placed finish softened that blow, and now he is eyeing more than just another Wembley outing as he takes Toon to Arsenal for the first-leg of the Carabao Cup semis.Of course, it has been nothing like those early days at Bournemouth for Howe since he took charge in November 2021 just weeks after their Saudi takeover.There was a big outlay that January transfer window in order to assure the club’s Premier League status, but despite reaching the Champions League, PSR rules have delayed their path straight to football’s top table.Though, despite the purse strings being tightened and even being forced to sell young starlets against his wishes, Howe still has Newcastle punching with the big boys for silverware.The question is though – how has he done it and how far can he go? More

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      This year more than any other the Carabao Cup is not the Mickey Mouse cup… just ask the four desperate semi-finalists

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      FOR many years, it was the after-thought competition.A cup that nobody really cared about.For years the Carabao Cup was something of an afterthought – but in 2025 it means the world to the four desperate clubs still standingCredit: GettyCan Ange Postecoglou be the man to finally end Spurs’ 17-year trophy droughtCredit: ReutersMikel Arteta is keen to finally win a trophy in front of fans following the behind-closed-doors and largely forgotten 2020 FA Cup finalCredit: GettyAn opportunity to give the reserves an autumn run-out.And the prime candidate to be the first on the chopping board if something had to give in the increasingly crowded calendar.Yet this week, for all four clubs and managers involved in the Carabao Cup semi-finals, it is not just important – it is vital.The chance to exorcise a 50-year-old ghost, prove words of promise have merit and substance, set down a marker or show the challenge for bigger prizes is a real one.READ MORE SPORT STORIESIt means, too, that none of Eddie Howe, Ange Postecoglou, Arne Slot or Mikel Arteta will be thinking of taking anything lightly or resting their best players for future encounters. This matters far too much for that.For Howe and Postecoglou, in particular, the pressures from outside their in-house environment are huge.The Toon boss does not need telling that EVERY Newcastle fan craves silverware – especially as the majority of them were not even alive the last time the club won a trophy.Indeed, even that trophy – the 1969 Inter City Fairs Cup, earned by a 6-2 aggregate final victory over Hungarians Ujpest Dozsa – is no longer viewed by Uefa as being a “real” one, with the European governing body only recognising its successor competition, the Uefa Cup.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOn five occasions since then, the Toon Army has travelled to Wembley desperately hoping to see history made.And on all five occasions, the latest in 2023 when Newcastle lost to give Erik ten Hag his Manchester United false dawn, they have marched back to the North East beaten and bedraggled.Arne Slot rues Liverpool’s missed chances in draw to Man Utd Arne Slot will be keen to lay down a marker with the first available trophy in 2024-25Credit: EPAEddie Howe is under pressure to finally win Newcastle their first trophy since the 1960sCredit: GettyHowe knows more than anyone what a trophy would mean, not just for the club, but also for himself.An underpinning and underlining of the progress he has made despite financial fair play restrictions preventing him from being able to take full advantage of the club’s Saudi ownership.Bringing home the trophy bacon, having beaten Chelsea, Arsenal and either Spurs or Liverpool along the way, would make a huge difference to his authority – and make him a true local hero.But it is almost as important for Arteta, whose side host Newcastle in Tuesday’s first leg.Yes, the Spaniard did win silverware at the end of his first half-season at the Emirates.But the 2020 FA Cup final victory over Chelsea came in front of 90,000 empty seats, three months after it was supposed to be played and with the world still reeling from the pandemic.Arteta and Arsenal have gone close since then but have yet to deliver.Putting a “real” one on the board in March would not only be a statement of intent but also a message to Liverpool in particular ahead of the final Prem straight. The first is always the hardest. Landing the Carabao would be proof, if any of his dressing room needed it, that Arteta and the “process” are worth trusting.The Gunners have failed to win the League Cup since their 2-1 Wembley win over Sheffield Wednesday in 1993.Four-and-a-half miles across North London, Postecoglou had been the author of his own book of increasing pressure.His early season boast that he “always wins a trophy in his second season” might have been about taking the heat off his players but it now appears an albatross around their necks.Yes, Spurs have suffered horribly with injuries, with only Pedro Porro of their first – potentially second – choice back line available to face a Liverpool side who hit them for six before Christmas.But many Tottenham fans are pointing fingers at Postecoglou’s style of play for exposing his players to so many muscle issues – as happened at Celtic, too.For some, ruefully thinking back three decades, Postecoglou is now “Aussie Ardiles” – determined to go all-in even if he has a pair of threes in his best poker hand.And with anger and frustration at chairman Daniel Levy being sung vocally at every game, home and away, and Spurs four points closer to the drop zone than a Champions League spot, Postecoglou is exposed and vulnerable.No such issues for Slot, who has turned the Jurgen Klopp inheritance into a blessing, rather than a curse.Yet even the Dutchman will view a first trophy in English football as a significant milestone.Klopp had to wait until his fourth season to have success. Slot could yet land Liverpool a QUADRUPLE inside 12 months of taking charge.READ MORE SUN STORIESLanding the initial one at the earliest possible opportunity would be a milestone moment. Slot is all too aware of the message it would send out.This year, this week, more than any other, it is definitely not the Mickey Mouse Cup. Just ask the four managers. More

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      Eddie Howe ramps up mind games ahead of Arsenal showdown and doesn’t care what people think of Newcastle

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      EDDIE HOWE does not care that nobody likes Newcastle as they prepare for another fiery clash with Arsenal.Gunners boss Mikel Arteta warned that the Emirates is ready for a “big one” against their rivals on Tuesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.Eddie Howe does not care that nobody likes Newcastle ahead of the game with ArsenalCredit: PAArsenal boss Mikel Arteta has history with Newcastle’s Howe and assistant Jason TindallCredit: GettyBut Magpies chief Howe said: “We are not here to be popular and for other teams to like us. We are here to compete. We will do everything we can within the rules.“There is a line in terms of your behaviour that you don’t want to cross. But I don’t really care what happens outside of Newcastle.“The perception other teams have of us, it doesn’t really worry me. We are here to try and win and, ultimately, that’s all we are driven for.”The Prem sides have a fierce rivalry following a string of heated meetings.Read More on FootballArteta was dragged into a bust-up with Howe and his No 2 Jason Tindall in a 0-0 draw at the Emirates in January 2023.Then Tindall and Arteta had to be separated during Toon’s 1-0 Prem win at St James’ Park two months ago.Newcastle angered Aston Villa and Tottenham after beating both clubs during their current six-game winning run.Tindall — who is known as Mad Dog — infuriated Villa chief Unai Emery and was sent off for his part in a 20-man tunnel brawl at half-time of a 3-0 win on Boxing Day.Most read in FootballAnd Spurs were frustrated with the Magpies’ physicality in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat. As his side hunt a first major domestic trophy since 1955, Howe said: “We will give everything, I can guarantee that. You have to stand up for each other.’I wasn’t contacted about the England job,’ admits Eddie Howe as he gives verdict on Thomas Tuchel appointment “You don’t want to be reckless but we have to be strong and protect each other on the pitch.”Arteta is confident the Arsenal faithful will create a better atmosphere than Toon’s St James’ Park.He said: “I admire the Emirates, 100 per cent. The way we can fill it with our people is incredible.“I am positive we will create a big one against a really good opposition. We are in the semi- final of the cup and want to win. Let’s go for it.”Ethan Nwaneri, 17, has a muscular injury and joins Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling, Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu in the treatment room.Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard have been battling sickness, so Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus could all start, as Arteta has no other attacking options.He added: “We have to use players in positions they  haven’t  played  before.” More

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      Major VAR change for Carabao Cup semi-finals that’s never been seen before in English football

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      FIFA-style in-stadium referee VAR explanations will be used for the first time in England for the Carabao Cup semi-finals.Until now, while Prem clubs do give more information over decisions changed after VAR intervention over their giant screens, refs have not been heard.Referees will explain decisions after going to the monitorCredit: GettyBut after the game’s Lawmakers Ifab signalled a confirmation that in-stadium announcements will be allowed worldwide from the start of next season, EFL bosses have agreed with PGMOL to trial the new system in the remaining matches in competition.That does not mean a full explanation of decisions by referees and will only apply when the on-field call is altered after a VAR intervention – whether a “factual” call by Stockley Park or after a visit to the pitchside monitor on a “subjective” decision.If a change is confirmed, the referee will be able to announce in simple terms such as “attacking player No 14 was offside, no goal” or “handball by defender No 17, penalty kick” to let the crowd know the basic reason for the new decision.VAR has not been used in this season’s Carabao Cup so far – meaning Manchester United’s complaints about a “foul” by Tottenham’s Lucas Bergvall on keeper Altay Bayindir after Son Heung-min’s late corner ended up in their net were to no avail.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut it was always intended that it would be brought in for the two-legged semi-finals and the Wembley final on March 16.The new approach will first be available for Arsenal’s game with Newcastle on January 7 and then at Tottenham the next day when they face Liverpool.Ahead of the trial being launched, PGMOL bosses have included practice announcement procedures at training camps and also inside top flight grounds.PGMOL say the move – likely to be extended to the Prem next season if it is deemed a success – is part of a “broader commitment to transparency including providing greater clarity and understanding around key decisions”.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTottenham defeated Man Utd 4-3 in a dramatic quarter-final to book their place in the last four.A much-changed Liverpool side, meanwhile, won 2-1 at Southampton.’Referee had no choice but to award a penalty after Tyrone Mings’ schoolboy error – he’s absolutely spot on’Arsenal beat Crystal Palace 3-2 courtesy of Gabriel Jesus’ hat-trick.And Newcastle overcame Brentford 3-1 at St James’ Park. More