Newcastle 2-0 Arsenal: Magpies have Wembley date with destiny in Carabao Cup final

Newcastle United fans were ecstatic, flocking to Barrack Road and towards the statues of legends Sir Bobby Robson and Alan Shearer outside St. James' Park, hopeful that the team could achieve long-awaited glory. The atmosphere was electric, filled with anticipation for what the team could accomplish.

Many of those who surged into the city center were not even born the last time Newcastle tasted victory, and those who were had to search deep within their memories to recall that time. Newcastle United's last domestic trophy was the 1955 FA Cup, and the club's last major trophy was the 1969 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, a competition that later evolved into the UEFA Cup and is now the Europa League. The weight of history was palpable as fans hoped for a change.

Now, after securing a League Cup final spot against Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur on March 16 with a 4-0 aggregate victory over Arsenal in the two-legged tie, Eddie Howe and his Newcastle players have the opportunity to end this long trophy drought. The night on Tyneside was so exciting, with Newcastle fans initially in a state of extreme tension but ultimately elated and ecstatic after reaching Wembley again. The team's performance instilled a renewed sense of belief.

To mark the momentous occasion, they sang all the songs, from "The Blaydon Races" to The Beatles' "Hey Jude" and Doris Day's "Que Sera, Sera," with a Wembley theme. The cheers echoed late into the night as Newcastle attempted to rewrite their history of Wembley failures. They have lost five finals since their 3-1 victory over Manchester City in the 1955 FA Cup final. The fans' passion was on full display, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.

This is not just about making up for the loss to Manchester United in the same competition's final at Wembley two years ago. It is about atoning for 56 years of being outsiders, watching other teams lift trophies. If Newcastle United win the League Cup, Howe and his players will become legends forever. While the competition may not be the most important in some people's eyes, it means a great deal to this club and this city. The potential victory represents more than just a trophy; it signifies a transformation.

This was all evident in the hours leading up to the game, as fans flocked to traditional gathering spots around St. James' Park, such as the Strawberry pub and the bar named after legend Shearer. You could not only see and hear the mix of expectation and anticipation, but you could also feel it. Forget the 2-0 lead from the first leg at Arsenal. There was genuine anxiety in the air, stemming from Newcastle's consecutive home defeats to Bournemouth and Fulham, as well as Arsenal's 5-1 thrashing of Premier League champions Manchester City on Sunday. The combination of hope and apprehension created a unique atmosphere.

Amid the pre-match atmosphere, which was so loud that you could barely hear yourself speak, a huge flag was unfurled in the Gallowgate End, reading "Howay the Lads." Simple and to the point. Newcastle responded to the fans' expectations with a vibrant start, which is characteristic of them when they are in good form. The team's energy and determination reflected the fans' unwavering support.

The home fans' only concern was that their team would run out of steam. But all worries dissipated into the cold Tyneside night as the players who tormented Arsenal in the first leg stepped up again in the second leg. A brilliant Alexander Isak shot was disallowed for a marginal offside before he shrugged off Arsenal defender William Saliba. His shot hit the post, but Jacob Murphy was on hand to slot the ball into the net. The team's resilience and clinical finishing proved decisive.

At that moment, Arsenal were done, and Newcastle were effectively back at Wembley, attempting to end their 56-year trophy drought. Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya ensured that Newcastle fans could begin celebrations that lasted for most of the second half when he inexplicably put Declan Rice in trouble in the 52nd minute, as he was being closely marked by Fabian Schär, and the ball eventually fell to Anthony Gordon, who finished with ease. The victory felt almost inevitable as the match progressed.

As St. James' Park erupted in pandemonium, Bruno Guimarães picked up a black and white scarf that had been thrown onto the pitch and held it aloft, while goalscorer Gordon picked up another scarf and waved it excitedly, mimicking the celebrating fans. Amid the cheers that served as a warm-up for Wembley, Newcastle fans reserved a special spot for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who had complained about the League Cup's football after the first-leg defeat. The shared joy and camaraderie among the players and fans was palpable.

"Mikel Arteta, it must be the ball" became part of the soundtrack to the victory, as Newcastle's players and staff did a lap of honor to show their appreciation, and even the usually reserved Howe punched the air in celebration towards the Leazes End. Shearer took to "X" to give his verdict: "Brilliant performance. Arsenal couldn’t cope with the intensity. Better in every position tonight." The team's dominance and Shearer's praise highlighted the significance of the victory.

He was right. Despite the revelry, color, and noise, once heads clear and calm is restored, Howe and Newcastle know that the hardest part still lies ahead. Can they finally overcome the psychological barriers that have long consigned Newcastle to mediocrity? They have been in this situation before, just two years ago, but it is further evidence of the outstanding job Howe has done since replacing Steve Bruce in November 2021, when the team was 19th after 11 games, five points from safety. The challenge ahead is significant, but the team is well-prepared.

This is a huge opportunity, but they have had opportunities before. They have a world-class striker in Isak, Gordon in excellent form, and the midfield duo of Sandro Tonali and Guimarães, who are capable of completely controlling even a team as good as Arsenal. Gordon perhaps inadvertently alluded to the message that Arsenal were desperate to send to Manchester City on Sunday: "It’s important to stay humble now." The team's talent and potential are undeniable, but humility remains crucial.

However, Guimarães was not about to play down expectations and what Newcastle can achieve, adding: "Playing like that, we can dream big. If we can get a trophy, it would be amazing, it's my dream." However, the final word must be left to the man behind it all, the head coach who has made Newcastle fans believe again. The collective ambition and belief are driving the team forward.

Howe said: "It means a lot to get back to Wembley. The first time there was a bit unexpected, but for the club we want to be, we have to be there regularly, so it's not a surprise. We got there on merit, we haven't had an easy route this year, we've faced four Premier League teams, so we've done it the hard way. Hopefully, we can learn from our last experience and improve our performance." Learn, end 56 years of longing for success, and Howe will cement his place as a Geordie legend. The opportunity to make history is within reach.