From Gary Stonehouse at St James’ Park
What a first half for Newcastle, who flew out of the traps, only for VAR to spot Alexander Isak was offside for his early strike.
That didn’t stop them, and they soon blew Arsenal away with another attack to break the deadlock.
It’s gonna take some team talk in that away dressing-room to inspire his boys to get back into this one.
As it stands, it is the Toon Army who will be making the long trek south to Wembley. And it could prove a bad night long-term for the Gunners too.
Martinelli has already limped off and Rice could follow him with the midfielder looking uncomfortable throughout the closing stages.
Half-time – Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal (Agg: 3-0)
Arsenal arrived in Newcastle intending to overturn a deficit – but that deficit has already increased.
A Jacob Murphy goal, made possible by the brilliance of Alexander Isak, has Newcastle 3-0 up on aggregate and destined for a cup final.
As unassailable lead? Not quite, but the Toon Army can almost touch their Wembley foam fingers.
Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal (Agg: 3-0)
45+4. Nwaneri tries to make some magic happen, but he’s not given an inch by the imposing figure of Dan Burn.
Newcastle are three-quarters of the way there.
Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal (Agg: 3-0)
45+2. As it happens, it’s Newcastle and Anthony Gordon in particular pushing for a goal before the break.
The ex-Everton man first curls a low one wide of Raya’s left-hand post, and then soon has a more powerful effort blocked by Saliba.
Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal (Agg: 3-0)
45. The board goes up to signal five minutes stoppage time at the end of the first half.
An Arsenal goal now, and this tie would have a very different complexion at the break.
Three-nil with 45 minutes remaining, and surely the Toon Army can prepare for Wembley.
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