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      Anthony Gordon says the two words no Arsenal fan wants to hear in accidental dig after Newcastle thrashing

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      ANTHONY GORDON said the two words Arsenal fans didn’t want to hear following Newcastle’s 4-0 aggregate win over the Gunners in the Carabao Cup semi-final.Gordon scored in both legs as the Magpies got the better of Arsenal 2-0 on both occasions to book their spot at Wembley next month.Anthony Gordon threw an accidental jibe at Arsenal following Newcastle’s 2-0 win in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday nightCredit: RexGordon scored in both legs as Newcastle booked their spot in the final at WembleyCredit: GettyThe England winger tormented the Arsenal defence whenever he got the ball over the two legs and seemed to accidentally torment the Arsenal fans with his post-match interview on Wednesday night too.In a bid to keep his teammates grounded and focused on the next game after such a high, Gordon told Sky Sports that Newcastle must “stay humble”.He said: ” It feels amazing. A proper team performance and we got the win. Our fans are never in question, they make it so difficult for the opposition and we did it the right way.”We had a game plan we thought would work. Everyone knows we press. It is important for us to stay humble now. It will be a big occasion but it’s so far away.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe seemingly innocuous answer could have got under the skin of Arsenal supporters up and down the country after the Gunners’ high profile row with Man City’s Erling Haaland this season.Haaland sparked a feud between himself and the Arsenal faithful after telling Mikel Arteta to “stay humble” following City’s late equaliser in the 2-2 draw between the two sides earlier in the season.While Arsenal got their revenge on the pitch on Sunday when they thrashed City 5-1 at the Emirates Stadium.The Gunners didn’t hold back their feelings during the win as 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly even taunted Haaland by recreating the Norwegian’s famous mediation celebration when he put Arsenal 3-1 up.Most read in FootballMyles Lewis-Skelly recreated Erling Haaland’s celebration during Arsenal’s 5-1 dismantling of Man City on SundayCredit: GettyHaaland was taunted by the Arsenal fans throughout the matchCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe crowd also played their part as they could be heard singing “stay humble, Haaland. Stay humble” throughout the 90-minute dismantling.And even the club’s DJ got in on the act, playing Kendrick Lamar’s song ‘HUMBLE.’ over the tannoy system on the final whistle.How Arsenal spent ENTIRE Man City clash winding up Erling Haaland – from brutal celebrations to grabbing shortsSo it’s no surprise that fans have latched on the the words of Anthony Gordon after last night’s Newcastle win and pointed out that perhaps Arsenal should have stayed a little more grounded themselves at the weekend.On social media, one fan wrote: “Anthony Gordon knows exactly what he’s doing here… #StayHumble”.While another added: “Life hits you fast in football nowadays.”A third commented: “Cheeky swipe there by Gordon”.And a fourth posted: “Anthony Gordon, I am a fan of yours for life now.”Newcastle have now beaten Arsenal three times this season with the Gunners yet to find the back of the net against Eddie Howe’s side.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Toon Army will return to Wembley next month for the Carabao Cup final after falling at the final hurdle under the arch in 2023 against Manchester United.But Howe’s fighting Magpies will have a tough task waiting for them at the Home of Football as they will face the winner of tonight’s semi-final second leg clash between Liverpool and Tottenham.ARSENAL PLAYER RATINGS: Saliba will be having nightmares about Isak as Lewis-Skelly is only Gunners star to show upARSENAL were humbled by Newcastle at St James’ Park as the Magpies beat them 2-0 to secure a spot in the League Cup final.The North Londoners knew they needed to take an early advantage if they were to overturn the 2-0 defeat at the Emirates.But Jacob Murphy was on hand to put the Magpies a goal ahead after Alexander Isak’s shot rebounded off of the post and out to him.Shortly after the break, Anthony Gordon doubled the lead to all but confirm a second League Cup final in three years for Eddie Howe.Here’s how SunSport’s Gary Stonehouse rated the Gunners.David Raya – 5Stitched Declan Rice right up for the second goal.And that absolutely killed this as a contest for his side.Jurrien Timber – 6Tried to get forward and support the attack early but soon found himself dropping deeper to avoid being caught on the counter.Tough night for the Dutchman up against Gordon in front of the red-hot home crowd.William Saliba – 4Let frustration get the better of him when he got himself booked for grabbing Anthony Gordon’s shirt.And the winger almost embarrassed him again at the start of the second period when he caught the defender sleeping, nicked the ball from him, but could only shoot wide.The usually assured star will be having nightmares of Gordon and Isak.Gabriel Magalhaes – 6Another who struggled to contain Toon’s two pacey attacking threats but did fair slightly better than his usually formidable partner.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7Another assured performance from the full-back in a raucous atmosphere.Could not be faulted for any of the goals and showed flashes off his potential despite the humbling.Martin Odegaard – 6Everything Arsenal did try came through the skipper.Although he loses a mark as things could have been a very different story if he had finished his first half effort had hit the inside rather than outside of the post.Thomas Partey – 6Plenty of running about but very little to show or product for his efforts.Declan Rice – 6Looked to take a knock late in the first half and continued to struggle on after the restart.Was hung out to dry by his goalie for the second goal and he did keep pushing until the very end.But it was a disappointing night for the England star and his partner Partey as they came up short against Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.Gabriel Martinelli – 5Struggled to get past big Dan Burn during his brief time on the pitch.And his night was brought to an abrupt end when he limped off before the break.Kai Havertz – 4Outmuscled, outbattled and outthought but Svan Botman and Fabian Schar.Produced zilch on an evening when he and his team-mates lacked creativity and ideas.Leandro Trossard – 5Many will have been fancying him to cause some problems for the 34-year-old Kieran Trippier but the veteran had him in his pocket all night.Arteta had seen enough by the hour mark and opted to let Raheem Sterling have a go instead.Subs usedEthan Nwaneri (37 mins for Martinelli) – 6Desperately tried to inject some pace and threat into the faltering Arsenal attack but the task proved too much for the young Gunn.He should have plenty more big occasions to look forward to though in his career.Mikel Merino (70 mins for Odegaard) – 5The game was already done and dusted when he entered the fray for battle.Some nice touches, but like those before him, he couldn’t produce anything for the visitors.Raheem Sterling (61 mins for Trossard) – 4Got half an hour to try and get at Trippier but, just like Trossard before him, he was not given an ounce of joy.Riccardo Calafiori (78 mins for Timber) – 4Was brought on simply to get some minutes in his legs.Jorginho (78 mins for Partey) – 4See above. Little chance to make an impact with the game well and truly over. More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo given incredible birthday cake by Al-Nassr complete with childhood pics and all 5 of his Ballons d’Or

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO reckons no other player can hold a candle to him.And he can also wax lyrical about his 40th birthday cake – thanks to a majestic creation from Al-Nassr.Cristiano Ronaldo got a cake others can only dream ofCredit: Instagram / alnassrThe cake top was a nod to some of his goalsCredit: Instagram @alnassrRonaldo shared a birthday pic with Georgina RodriguezCredit: Instagram @cristianoAl-Nassr players joined in celebrations with their big nameCredit: Instagram @alnassrRonaldo’s Saudi club served up a triple-tier offering, laced with three truly special extras.In front of the cake sat five tasty Ballons d’Or, looking golden delicious.Embedded around it was a touching selection of childhood pictures.And perched on top was a mini version of the legend himself, performing the type of overhead kick that rekindles memories of the cream of his 923 goals (and counting).READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAl-Nassr posted snaps of the beaming ex-Manchester United frontman gazing down at the carb-crammed construction – something that health-conscious Ronaldo might normally avoid eating.They added the words: “Happiness looks good on him.”Team-mates like new £64million striker Jhon Duran crowded alongside CR7 in other photos.And as supporters responded to the pics with a stream of good wishes to the Portugal great, Ron also shared his verdict on the big day.Most read in FootballRonaldo and all his family joined in the celebrationsCredit: Instagram @cristianoTeh Portugal icon seemed impressed with the designCredit: Instagram / alnassrJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe ex-Real Madrid hero posted a cosy picture with girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez and said: “Thank you all for the amazing birthday messages! “Had a great day with family and friends, couldn’t wish for anything better.”How Sir Alex Ferguson ‘refused to let Cristiano Ronaldo leave stadium until he signed for Man Utd’ Ron has revealed in interviews this week he believes playing on “a year, or two, or three” is still possible.But as he reached what many regard as a landmark birthday, he appeared to be more philosophical about his future on the pitch.Ronaldo claimed he “doesn’t care” how long his playing career lasts.He suggested too he’s relaxed about whether he bags the 77 more strikes needed to make four figures.He said: “If I reach 1,000 goals, great. If not, that’s fine too. Numbers don’t lie.”Ron won the Champions League four times, all with Real, plus La Liga twice, three Prem crowns with United and Serie A on a couple of occasions with Juventus.And as represented by his Ballons d’Or cake accessories, he was also named world player of the year five times.So, at least in terms of honours, he’s the perfect antidote to the argument that life begins at 40.But he’s certainly chosen the moment to serve up some strife – for those who like a heated debate.Ronaldo stirred up the eternal question of “Who is the GOAT?” by again insisting he’s “the best player ever”.He added: “I’m fast, I’m strong, [I score] with my head, with the left, no one has ever been more complete than me.READ MORE SUN STORIESTeam-mates enjoyed the moment almost as much as RonCredit: Instagram @alnassr“You may prefer Pele, Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona, I understand and respect that…. I am the best in history. Period.”And whatever Al-Nassr or anyone gave Ron for his birthday, it surely won’t beat perhaps the greatest gift of all – his sense of fulfilment.CR7 maybe reflected on his career as he surveyed the cakeCredit: Instagram / alnassr More

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      Joao Felix scores stunning goal just 12 minutes into AC Milan debut as fans say ‘we can now agree Chelsea ruins players’

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      JOAO FELIX took just 12 minutes to score his first AC Milan goal following his loan transfer from Chelsea.The 25-year-old completed a move to Italy on deadline day.Joao Felix scored after 12 minutes on his AC Milan debutCredit: GettyFelix chipped the ball over the Roma goalkeeper to put Milan through to the Coppa Italia semi-finalsCredit: GettyJust five months ago Chelsea paid £45m to sign him from Atletico Madrid.However, Felix was down the pecking order under Enzo Maresca and managed seven goals in 20 appearances, many of which came in the Europa Conference League.The Blues subsequently loaned him out to AC Milan, who paid a £5million loan fee with no obligation to buy.But the Serie A might be thinking it was some shrewd business after Felix scored an important goal to put them in the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWith the score 2-1 in Milan’s favour, Felix was introduced in the 59th minute as a replacement for Christian Pulisic – another Chelsea reject.The Portuguese forward was then played into open space in the 71st minute by fellow deadline-day signing Santiago Gimenez. Felix then proceeded to calmly chip the ball over Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar to make the score 3-1 and mark a perfect debut for himself and Gimenez – a £27m buy from Feyenoord.Reacting on social media, some fans were critical of Chelsea’s handling of Felix, with one saying: “We can now agree Chelsea ruins players.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSA second said: “Chelsea has ALWAYS ruined players, they were the club that would buy players so other teams couldn’t and then sit them on the bench.”A third added: “Chelsea almost ruined him.”Chelsea new-boy Joao Felix has plaque at Atletico Madrid stadium vandalised by thugs after transfer exitAnother fan argued it was a motivation issue, saying: “He’s motivated for the first few games and then it will drop.”A fifth fan said: “They should make his move there permanent.”Felix did also manage to score for Chelsea on his second debut for them this season during the 6-2 thrashing of Wolves, before failing to score another league goal.Milan have been joined in the semi-finals by Bologna, while two of Inter Milan or Lazio and Juventus or Empoli will make up the rest of the last four.The final will be held on May 14, where the Rossoneri will be hoping to win the competition for their sixth time overall and the first time since 2003.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Derek Chisora reveals new rivalry with childhood pal Anthony Joshua despite pair never considering fighting each other

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      DEREK CHISORA loves Anthony Joshua too much to fight him – but he wants to flatten him at the school sports day.The fearless 41-year-old warhorse adopted AJ as a little brother when he spotted him coming through Finchley ABC almost 20 years ago.Derek Chisora loves Anthony Joshua too much to fight himCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunJoshua has a close bond with fellow boxing star ChisoraCredit: GettyChisora is not planning to fight Joshua any time soonCredit: ReutersJoshua, now 35, was a tear-up loving teenage bricklayer teetering on the edge of a life of crime, while Chisora was a Zimbabwean mummy’s boy struggling to fit in anywhere.The pair bonded and – despite incredible records of fighting almost all of the best giants of this era – have never entertained the idea of a mega-money fight between themselves.But now Del’s 10-year-old daughter Angelina and the London 2012 legend’s heir JJ are at the some North London primary school, mentoring and compassion have been subbed off for teasing and competition.Ahead of his 49th professional bout with Otto Wallin on Saturday, Chisora revealed: “I wind AJ up because our kids go to the same school and I tell him they’re organising a dads’ race for sports day.Read More on Boxing“I call AJ and say, ‘It’s sports day – make sure you’re coming!’ I’m serious.“He hasn’t been for the last few but I say, ‘Bro, it’s sports day, you’re coming’.”A fleet of luxury cars belonging to the British ring heroes, as well as JLS star Marvin Humes and comedian David Walliams, drop their kids off to the same posh school.It’s unlikely any of the sporting icons or celebrities use the local bus service.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut 18st hulk Chisora reckons the parents could be in for a shock if they spot him or his boxing-addicted protege hanging about for public transport near the school gates.“Boxing is an addictive sport,” he said with his 50th and final fight looming. I don’t care what you say – it’s a drug sport, it’s like heroin.My champagne lunch date with Derek Chisora turned into a naked chat in a Russian sauna as he was whipped with leaves“You go to the amateur gym for the first time and all of a sudden you’re waiting for the bus shadow boxing.“And people say, ‘What the f*** is wrong with you?’ Every fighter does it, all the greatest fighters do it.“You know who the biggest shadow boxer in the world is? Anthony Joshua.“That mother f***er cannot have a conversation without jumping up and shadow boxing and I’m the same around my house.“People wonder what the f*** we are doing and tell us just to chill out.”Another thing the North London pair have in common is decision defeats to Ukraine’s undisputed heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk.Oleksandr Usyk ‘gives PTSD’The 38-year-old Brit basher knocked Tony Bellew spark out, outpointed Chisora, left AJ in tears after back-to-back schoolings, broke Daniel Dubois with a jab and just retired Tyson Fury with two dominant displays.There is something utterly maverick about the God-fearing gap-toothed southpaw, who wears a giant Greek Orthodox cross under his latest Stone Island jumper.And, after 12 hard rounds and a couple of London sauna sessions together, Chisora can explain it better than anyone.“That Ukrainian guy gives you PTSD,” he said“He made my young brother cry on the stage, he made Tyson Fury retire. Nobody can deal with him.“I sat down with him a couple of weeks ago. I asked him where he lives now, he said: ‘Ukraine. Yesterday my security told me to go in the bomb shelter but I said ‘no’. Rockets are flying past my house but me, I sleep’.READ MORE SUN STORIES“When he’s telling me this story, I ask myself, ‘What do you have to have to beat him?’ The guy is lying down and rockets are flying past his house.“While you’re in your big house in Knightsbridge where the only problem you have is taxis beeping outside your door. How do you beat a guy like that? You have to have craziness.”How AJ punched his way to the topANTHONY JOSHUA punched his way to the top of the world before being knocked off his perch. More

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      Mathys Tel has agreed SIX-YEAR Tottenham contract and WILL stay beyond Bayern Munich loan, reveals Ange Postecoglou

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU declared Mathys Tel WILL be a Tottenham player beyond the end of the season.The French striker, 19, completed a deadline-day loan move from Bayern Munich to Spurs, who hold a £45million option to sign him permanently.Ange Postecoglou says loanee Mathys Tel will be a Tottenham player next seasonCredit: GettyThe Bayern Munich striker has agreed a six-year deal ahead of a potential £45million permanent switchCredit: RexGerman reports had suggested the player could still choose not to join the North Londoners in the summer, despite that option.But SunSport understands Tel is happy to stay should Spurs trigger it and a six-year contract has already been agreed.Asked if he could clear up the confusion and if Tel would remain at Tottenham beyond the current season, bullish Postecoglou replied: “He’ll be a Tottenham player.“I think he’ll show everyone he’s going to be a Tottenham player in the next six months. I didn’t bring him here for six months.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTel has been cleared to make his Spurs debut at Liverpool tomorrow having trained and received his work permit.The same goes for 26-year-old centre-back Kevin Danso, signed on loan from RC Lens on Sunday, who is likely to start the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg.Tel had initially rejected a switch to Spurs when a straight £50m deal was on the table.But he had a change of heart on Monday, having had a persuasive exchange “purely about football” via phonecall and on text over a couple of hours with Postecoglou.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe Aussie joked: “I felt that if I kept him on the phone long enough, I would wear him down. He was falling asleep by the end!“I got a sense pretty early on that there was a connection there and he was hearing what he wanted to hear. It is a big decision.Why Marcus Rashford could be perfect fit for Aston Villa after Man Utd transfer“He is a 19-year-old man at a fantastic football club. They would have been quite happy to keep him there I am sure but he also knew he needed to play.“But not just play. Play where he is going to develop. I think it is  a credit to him that rather than just jump at what came at him, he was very thorough in the way he made his decision.”Tel had interest from other clubs including Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal, but was convinced, in the end, by Spurs.Postecoglou said he was “100 per cent” certain Tel is happy to be at Spurs and sees the move as a coup for Spurs, who are in all cup competitions but 14th in the Premier League.The ex-Celtic boss added: “He is very, very exciting.“When you meet him you realise he’s got that bit about him as a person who has enormous self-belief and confidence in what he can do and what he wants to do.“Even though he’s young, physically he’s already in a place where he can take on the enormous challenges of being an attacking player in the Bundesliga and I think he can handle the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He’s a goal-scorer, he can take people on, he’s got speed.“I’d be very surprised if there was a club that wouldn’t be interested in somebody like him.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Cheeky Newcastle fans taunt Mikel Arteta with five-word chant… and club join in with trolling social post

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      NEWCASTLE fans brutally mocked Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta during Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final at St James’ Park.And the club joined in the trolling with a cheeky social post.Mikel Arteta was brutally mocked by Newcastle fansCredit: ReutersThe Magpies cruised to a 2-0 victory in the second-leg, taking the score up to 4-0 on aggregate.Arsenal had 34 shots across both games and failed to convert any of them.After the first leg, Arteta appeared to blame the Carabao Cup BALL for the amount of missed chances.He said: “We also kicked a lot of balls over the bar, and it’s tricky that these balls fly a lot so there’s details that we can do better.Read More on Arsenal”But at the end that’s gone, there’s no way back it’s about the next game and that’s our world, the reality is our world.”It’s just different. Very different to a Premier League ball, and you have to adapt to that because it flies different.”When you touch it the grip is very different as well so you adapt to that.”With the Gunners once again struggling to convert anything at St James’ Park, Newcastle fans took the opportunity to mock Arteta for his comments.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSARSENAL PLAYER RATINGS: Saliba will be having nightmares about Isak as Lewis-Skelly is only Gunners star to show upARSENAL were humbled by Newcastle at St James’ Park as the Magpies beat them 2-0 to secure a spot in the League Cup final.The North Londoners knew they needed to take an early advantage if they were to overturn the 2-0 defeat at the Emirates.But Jacob Murphy was on hand to put the Magpies a goal ahead after Alexander Isak’s shot rebounded off of the post and out to him.Shortly after the break, Anthony Gordon doubled the lead to all but confirm a second League Cup final in three years for Eddie Howe.Here’s how SunSport’s Gary Stonehouse rated the Gunners.David Raya – 5Stitched Declan Rice right up for the second goal.And that absolutely killed this as a contest for his side.Jurrien Timber – 6Tried to get forward and support the attack early but soon found himself dropping deeper to avoid being caught on the counter.Tough night for the Dutchman up against Gordon in front of the red-hot home crowd.William Saliba – 4Let frustration get the better of him when he got himself booked for grabbing Anthony Gordon’s shirt.And the winger almost embarrassed him again at the start of the second period when he caught the defender sleeping, nicked the ball from him, but could only shoot wide.The usually assured star will be having nightmares of Gordon and Isak.Gabriel Magalhaes – 6Another who struggled to contain Toon’s two pacey attacking threats but did fair slightly better than his usually formidable partner.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7Another assured performance from the full-back in a raucous atmosphere.Could not be faulted for any of the goals and showed flashes off his potential despite the humbling.Martin Odegaard – 6Everything Arsenal did try came through the skipper.Although he loses a mark as things could have been a very different story if he had finished his first half effort had hit the inside rather than outside of the post.Thomas Partey – 6Plenty of running about but very little to show or product for his efforts.Declan Rice – 6Looked to take a knock late in the first half and continued to struggle on after the restart.Was hung out to dry by his goalie for the second goal and he did keep pushing until the very end.But it was a disappointing night for the England star and his partner Partey as they came up short against Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.Gabriel Martinelli – 5Struggled to get past big Dan Burn during his brief time on the pitch.And his night was brought to an abrupt end when he limped off before the break.Kai Havertz – 4Outmuscled, outbattled and outthought but Svan Botman and Fabian Schar.Produced zilch on an evening when he and his team-mates lacked creativity and ideas.Leandro Trossard – 5Many will have been fancying him to cause some problems for the 34-year-old Kieran Trippier but the veteran had him in his pocket all night.Arteta had seen enough by the hour mark and opted to let Raheem Sterling have a go instead.Subs usedEthan Nwaneri (37 mins for Martinelli) – 6Desperately tried to inject some pace and threat into the faltering Arsenal attack but the task proved too much for the young Gunn.He should have plenty more big occasions to look forward to though in his career.Mikel Merino (70 mins for Odegaard) – 5The game was already done and dusted when he entered the fray for battle.Some nice touches, but like those before him, he couldn’t produce anything for the visitors.Raheem Sterling (61 mins for Trossard) – 4Got half an hour to try and get at Trippier but, just like Trossard before him, he was not given an ounce of joy.Riccardo Calafiori (78 mins for Timber) – 4Was brought on simply to get some minutes in his legs.Jorginho (78 mins for Partey) – 4See above. Little chance to make an impact with the game well and truly over.During the second half, they started to chant: “It must be the ball, it must be the ball, Mikel Arteta, it must be the ball.”Newcastle’s X account also jumped on the bandwagon with a post of the Carabao Cup matchball and a caption that read: “The culprit…”Arsenal vs NewcastleJacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon both scored to secure the win for the Magpies.They will now face either Tottenham or Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final next month.Newcastle also got involved in the mockingCredit: x / @nufcUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Arsenal ratings: Saliba will be having nightmares about Isak for weeks as Lewis-Skelly is only Gunners star to show up

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      ARSENAL were humbled by Newcastle at St James’ Park as the Magpies beat them 2-0 to secure a spot in the League Cup final.The North Londoners knew they needed to take an early advantage if they were to overturn the 2-0 defeat at the Emirates.William Saliba will be having nightmares about Alexander Isak after a shocking displayCredit: ReutersNewcastle were flying throughout as they booked their spot in the League Cup finalCredit: GettyBut Jacob Murphy was on hand to put the Magpies a goal ahead after Alexander Isak’s shot rebounded off of the post and out to him.Shortly after the break, Anthony Gordon doubled the lead to all but confirm a second League Cup final in three years for Eddie Howe.Mikel Arteta’s side continued to suffer at St James’ Park before William Saliba gave the ball away for Gordon to shoot at an empty net, only for him to fire just wide.On a night of wet power after a stunning 5-1 win against Manchester City last Sunday, here’s how Gary Stonehouse rated the Gunners. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDavid Raya – 5Stitched Declan Rice right up for the second goal.And that absolutely killed this as a contest for his side.Jurrien Timber – 6Tried to get forward and support the attack early but soon found himself dropping deeper to avoid being caught on the counter.Tough night for the Dutchman up against Gordon in front of the red-hot home crowd.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSWilliam Saliba – 4Let frustration get the better of him when he got himself booked for grabbing Anthony Gordon’s shirt.And the winger almost embarrassed him again at the start of the second period when he caught the defender sleeping, nicked the ball from him, but could only shoot wide.Where Arsenal’s transfer window went wrong with Mikel Arteta more reliant on Havertz than ever and no back-up strikerThe usually assured star will be having nightmares of Gordon and Isak.Gabriel Magalhaes – 6Another who struggled to contain Toon’s two pacey attacking threats but did fair slightly better than his usually formidable partner.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7Another assured performance from the full-back in a raucous atmosphere.Could not be faulted for any of the goals and showed flashes off his potential despite the humbling.Martin Odegaard – 6Everything Arsenal did try came through the skipper. Although he loses a mark as things could have been a very different story if he had finished his first half effort had hit the inside rather than outside of the post.Martin Odegaard missed a vital chance that could have changed the gameCredit: GettyThomas Partey – 6Plenty of running about but very little to show or product for his efforts.Declan Rice – 6Looked to take a knock late in the first half and continued to struggle on after the restart.Was hung out to dry by his goalie for the second goal and he did keep pushing until the very end.But it was a disappointing night for the England star and his partner Partey as they came up short against Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.Gabriel Martinelli – 5Struggled to get past big Dan Burn during his brief time on the pitch.And his night was brought to an abrupt end when he limped off before the break.Kai Havertz – 4Outmuscled, outbattled and outthought but Svan Botman and Fabian Schar.Produced zilch on an evening when he and his team-mates lacked creativity and ideas.Kai Havertz produced zilch after he was outthought and outbattledCredit: APLeandro Trossard – 5Many will have been fancying him to cause some problems for the 34-year-old Kieran Trippier but the veteran had him in his pocket all night.Arteta had seen enough by the hour mark and opted to let Raheem Sterling have a go instead.Subs used Ethan Nwaneri (37 mins for Martinelli) – 6Desperately tried to inject some pace and threat into the faltering Arsenal attack but the task proved too much for the young Gunn.He should have plenty more big occasions to look forward to though in his career.Mikel Merino (70 mins for Odegaard) – 5The game was already done and dusted when he entered the fray for battle.Some nice touches, but like those before him, he couldn’t produce anything for the visitors.Raheem Sterling (61 mins for Trossard) – 4Got half an hour to try and get at Trippier but, just like Trossard before him, he was not given an ounce of joy.READ MORE SUN STORIESRiccardo Calafiori (78 mins for Timber) – 4Was brought on simply to get some minutes in his legs.Jorginho (78 mins for Partey) – 4See above. Little chance to make an impact with the game well and truly over.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Newcastle 2 Arsenal 0 (agg: 4-0): Toon tear shambolic Gunners to shreds to move step closer to first trophy in 70 years

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      THERE were plenty of old-aged pensioners among this raucous St James’ Park crowd who have never seen Newcastle United win a major domestic trophy.But on March 16, Eddie Howe’s men have a chance to secure the kind of glory the Geordies have been waiting 70 years to experience.Newcastle booked their place in the Carabao Cup final with a 2-0 win over ArsenalCredit: GettyThe 4-0 aggregate victory means Toon are near to ending their 70-year trophy droughtCredit: EPAArsenal arrived on Tyneside with the strut of a team who had just trounced the Premier League champions – but they were blown away by the energy levels of Newcastle’s players and the decibel levels of their supporters.Next month, the Toon will face either Tottenham or Liverpool in the Carabao Cup Final – the club’s sixth Wembley showpiece since Jackie Milburn & Co won the FA Cup way back in 1955.Goals from Jacob Murphy and the electric Anthony Gordon ensured there would be no miracle comeback from Mikel Arteta’s side, who trailed 2-0 from the first leg a month ago.No English club of Newcastle’s size has waited so long to win silverware – especially as Uefa now say that their 1969 Fairs Cup win doesn’t count as a major trophy in their record books.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd while the club’s Geordie Arabia revolution has been stifled by Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules, a trophy would mean the world to the Toon Army.Newcastle reached the League Cup Final two seasons ago but they froze on their big day out and were beaten 2-0 by Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United.Seven of last night’s starting line-up featured in that 2023 final and they will return determined not to suffer stage fright again.For Mikel Arteta, it was a miserable night which leaves the Gunners facing an uphill battle to avoid a fifth successive season without a trophy.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe Gunners boss was mocked with chants of ‘Mikel Arteta, it must be the ball’ after his rather fanciful excuse for the 2-0 home defeat in last month’s first leg.Arsenal failed to carry forward any momentum from Sunday’s 5-1 sploshing of Manchester City.Newcastle stars Sandro Tonali and Sven Botman filmed using mobile phones behind wheels of supercarsPerhaps they expended too much energy in rubbing Erling Haaland’s nose in the Emirates dirt because this was a very flat performance – save for Martin Odegaard hitting the post after an early effort from Newcastle’s Alexander Isak had been disallowed. While Arteta stuck with Sunday’s victorious line-up, Howe switched to a back five – not that his side were ever content to sit back and protect the 2-0 first-leg lead they had secured back in the mists of time.Since then, Newcastle had suffered back-to-back home defeats, giving Arsenal renewed hope of becoming the first team ever to overturn a two-goal deficit away from home in a League Cup semi-final.The Arsenal mood music had improved considerably during the month-long wait for this return leg and they arrived on a four-game winning streak in all competitions.Alexander Isak gave Newcastle an immediate leadCredit: APHe was judged to be narrowly offside by VARBut none of that optimism from the visitors lasted long.It was one of those nights at St James’ Park when the flags were out, the locals were giddy and the amplifier was cranked up to 11.And within four minutes, the Toon thought they had increased their aggregate lead.Gordon picked a delicious through-ball to send Isak pelting through on goal and the Swede lashed his effort into the far corner of David Raya’s net.Jacob Murphy gave Newcastle the lead in the 19th minuteCredit: GettyThe goal sent the home fans into major celebrationsCredit: GettyBut then the dreaded, and lengthy, VAR delay which found that Isak had been narrowly offside.In these semi-finals, they are trialling a system whereby the referees announce any VAR overturns through a microphone to the crowd.And from what I could gather, Simon Hooper told the 52,000 punters: “Bwh dada hagy terg dikit number 14, badadadag.”Joelinton had missed out with a knee injury but despite a Newcastle shape that looked defensive on paper, Howe’s side were not backwards in coming forwards.Anthony Gordon doubled Toon’s lead on the nightCredit: EPAHe waved a scarf as St James’ Park went madCredit: GettyStill, Arsenal settled, knitted together a couple of decent passing moves and Martin Odegaard drilled a shot against the post when he ought to have scored.Yet almost immediately, Newcastle broke.Isak played a one-two with Gordon, descended on goal again and hammered the top of the far post before Murphy lapped up the rebound to spark rapture across the Geordie nation.The place was rocking now and you could tell the hosts were confident when Bruno Guimaraes started performing keepy-uppies on the edge of the Arsenal box.Martin Odegaard missed a sitter than could have changed the course of the gameCredit: PAGabriel Martinelli went off with an injuryCredit: GettyGabriel Martinelli suffered a hamstring injury and was replaced by the boy wonder Ethan Nwaneri.But there was precious little sign of an Arsenal comeback and as their frustrations grew, Kai Havertz was cautioned for a shove on Kieran Trippier, then Wiliam Saliba joined him in the book for dragging back Gordon. Flash Gordon then toasted Declan Rice, who appeared to pull a muscle as he fell, before he fired narrowly wide.Straight after the restart, Saliba was robbed by Gordon who narrowly failed to score from range with Raya stranded.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut soon, it was all done and dusted, with Rice – apparently still troubled by his first-half injury – mugged by a high-pressing Fabian Schar, allowing Gordon an easy finish. And so the Geordie hordes will descend on Wembley, determined to end seven decades of hurt.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. 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