Match Analysis Newcastle United vs Arsenal – Tactical Breakdown & Key Takeaways
The EFL Cup semi-final second-leg showdown between Newcastle United and Arsenal was nothing short of a thrilling encounter, packed with drama, tactical battles, and key moments that shaped the final outcome. Arsenal, looking to maintain their title challenge, faced a resilient Newcastle side determined to make a statement at St. James’ Park.
In this Match Analysis Newcastle United vs Arsenal, we’ll break down the tactical setups, standout performances, key turning points, and post-match reactions. From defensive solidity to attacking transitions, we analyse how both teams approached the game and what this result means for Arsenal’s season ahead.
Starting Lineups & Formations
In the EFL Cup Semi-Final Second Leg on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, Newcastle United and Arsenal faced off at St. James’ Park, with Newcastle securing a 2-0 victory (4-0 on aggregate) to book their place in the final. Here’s how both teams lined up:
Newcastle United (3-4-3 Formation)
Eddie Howe set up Newcastle in a defensive 3-4-3 shape, focusing on width, defensive solidity, and quick transitions on the break.
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Martin Dúbravka |
| RCB | Fabian Schär |
| CB | Sven Botman |
| LCB | Dan Burn |
| RWB | Kieran Trippier |
| CM | Bruno Guimarães (C) |
| CM | Sandro Tonali |
| LWB | Lewis Hall |
| RW | Jacob Murphy |
| ST | Alexander Isak |
| LW | Anthony Gordon |
Substitutes:
- Nick Pope
- Callum Wilson
- Matt Targett
- Emil Krafth
- William Osula
- Tino Livramento
- Joe Willock
- Sean Longstaff
- Lewis Miley
Arsenal (4-3-3 Formation)
Mikel Arteta deployed his usual 4-3-3 system, emphasizing high pressing and midfield control, but his side struggled to break through Newcastle’s defensive block.
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | David Raya |
| RB | Jurriën Timber |
| CB | William Saliba |
| CB | Gabriel Magalhães |
| LB | Myles Lewis-Skelly |
| CM | Martin Ødegaard (C) |
| CM | Thomas Partey |
| CM | Declan Rice |
| RW | Gabriel Martinelli |
| ST | Kai Havertz |
| LW | Leandro Trossard |
Substitutes:
- Tomás Setford
- Riccardo Calafiori
- Oleksandr Zinchenko
- Kieran Tierney
- Jakub Kiwior
- Jorginho
- Mikel Merino
- Raheem Sterling
- Ethan Nwaneri
Tactical Overview
- Newcastle’s Strategy: A deep defensive block with quick counters, utilizing Trippier’s overlapping runs and Isak’s hold-up play to create opportunities.
- Arsenal’s Approach: Arteta’s side focused on dominance in midfield, but struggled to break through Newcastle’s compact defensive line.
- Key Battles: Saliba vs Isak, Ødegaard vs Guimarães, and Gordon vs Timber proved decisive in shaping the match’s outcome.
With Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon scoring, Newcastle sealed a commanding 2-0 win (4-0 on aggregate), ending Arsenal’s EFL Cup hopes for the season.
First-Half Analysis
The first half of the EFL Cup Semi-Final Second Leg between Newcastle United and Arsenal was packed with drama, including an early disallowed goal, missed opportunities, and Newcastle’s clinical opener. Arsenal needed a strong start to overturn the 2-0 first-leg deficit, but Newcastle’s defensive discipline and counter-attacking threat made life difficult for Mikel Arteta’s men.
Early Drama – Isak’s Disallowed Goal
- In just the 3rd minute, Alexander Isak thought he had given Newcastle the lead after latching onto a pass from Bruno Guimarães and slotting past David Raya.
- However, after a VAR review, the goal was ruled offside, denying Newcastle an early advantage.
- Despite the disappointment, Newcastle took confidence from the move and continued pressing Arsenal’s backline.
Arsenal’s Response & Missed Chances
- Arsenal controlled possession for large spells in the first half, with Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard dictating play from midfield.
- The Gunners had their first big opportunity in the 18th minute, when Ødegaard’s curling effort struck the post, agonizingly close to levelling the tie.
- Minutes later, Leandro Trossard forced a save from Martin Dúbravka, as Arsenal ramped up the pressure.
Newcastle’s Breakthrough – Murphy Strikes First
- Despite Arsenal’s pressure, Newcastle struck first in the 19th minute in ruthless fashion.
- Isak’s powerful shot hit the crossbar, but Jacob Murphy reacted quickest to fire the rebound into the net, putting Newcastle 1-0 up on the night, 3-0 on aggregate.
- St. James’ Park erupted as Eddie Howe’s side edged closer to a place in the final.
Arsenal’s Frustration & Martinelli’s Injury Blow
- Arsenal continued to push forward but struggled to break down Newcastle’s compact defensive shape.
- In the 37th minute, Arsenal suffered another setback when Gabriel Martinelli pulled up with a hamstring injury, forcing an early substitution.
- The injury disrupted Arsenal’s attacking flow, with Newcastle comfortably seeing out the half with a 1-0 lead.
The first half ended with Newcastle in control and Arsenal facing an uphill battle to keep their EFL Cup hopes alive.
Second-Half Analysis
The second half commenced with Newcastle United leading 1-0 on the night and 3-0 on aggregate. Arsenal faced an uphill battle to overturn the deficit, but Newcastle’s disciplined defense and effective counter-attacks ensured their progression to the final.
Newcastle’s Early Second-Half Pressure
- In the 52nd minute, Anthony Gordon capitalized on a defensive error to double Newcastle’s lead. A misplaced pass from goalkeeper David Raya intended for Declan Rice was intercepted by Fabian Schär, who pressed high and forced a turnover. The ball fell into the path of Gordon, and the winger had the simple task of netting to make it 4-0 on aggregate and end Arsenal’s hopes of reaching Wembley.
Arsenal’s Struggles to Break Through
- Despite enjoying significant possession, Arsenal struggled to penetrate Newcastle’s well-organized defence. The Magpies’ backline remained compact, effectively neutralizing Arsenal’s attacking threats.
- Substitutions were made by both teams, but they had little impact on the game’s dynamics. Arsenal introduced Ethan Nwaneri in the 37th minute due to Gabriel Martinelli‘s injury, and later brought on Jorginho and Riccardo Calafiori in the 77th minute. Newcastle made several substitutions in the latter stages to manage the game and preserve their lead.
Newcastle’s Game Management
- With a commanding aggregate lead, Newcastle focused on maintaining their defensive shape and managing the game’s tempo. They effectively disrupted Arsenal’s rhythm, preventing the Gunners from creating meaningful opportunities.
- The Magpies’ midfield duo of Bruno Guimarães and Sandro Tonali played pivotal roles in breaking up play and launching counter-attacks, ensuring Arsenal remained on the back foot.
The match concluded with Newcastle securing a 2-0 victory on the night, resulting in a 4-0 aggregate win. This performance highlighted Newcastle’s tactical discipline and clinical finishing, as they advanced to the EFL Cup final.
Key Player Performances
Newcastle United (3-4-3 Formation)
| Position | Player | Rating (1-10) | Performance Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| GK | Martin Dúbravka | 8.0 | Solid shot-stopping and command of the box. |
| RCB | Fabian Schär | 7.8 | Strong defensive presence, good aerial duels. |
| CB | Sven Botman | 7.9 | Composed on the ball, key clearances. |
| LCB | Dan Burn | 7.9 | Aggressive in defense, won key duels. |
| RWB | Kieran Trippier | 7.1 | Delivered dangerous crosses, defensively sound. |
| CM | Bruno Guimarães (C) | 7.2 | Controlled midfield, solid passing. |
| CM | Sandro Tonali | 6.9 | Decent in build-up but lost possession at times. |
| LWB | Lewis Hall | 7.8 | Energetic performance, strong defensive work. |
| RW | Jacob Murphy | 8.1 | Scored a crucial goal, lively on the wing. |
| ST | Alexander Isak | 6.9 | Had a goal disallowed, but linked play well. |
| LW | Anthony Gordon | 8.3 | Scored, constantly dangerous in attack. |
Substitutes Used
| Position | Player | Minute Subbed On | Rating (1-10) | Performance Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DF | Emil Krafth | 80′ | 6.0 | Came on to see out the game, minimal impact. |
| CM | Joe Willock | 80′ | 5.8 | Kept play ticking, but little influence. |
| CM | Sean Longstaff | 87′ | N/A | Late sub, no major contribution. |
| FW | Callum Wilson | 87′ | N/A | Too late to impact the game. |
| DF | Lewis Miley | 90′ | N/A | Came on in stoppage time. |
Arsenal (4-3-3 Formation)
| Position | Player | Rating (1-10) | Performance Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| GK | David Raya | 5.0 | Poor distribution, costly mistake for Gordon’s goal. |
| RB | Jurriën Timber | 6.5 | Showed attacking intent but lacked final product. |
| CB | William Saliba | 5.8 | Uncharacteristically shaky in defense. |
| CB | Gabriel Magalhães | 6.2 | Defended well at times but struggled against Isak. |
| LB | Myles Lewis-Skelly | 7.2 | Bright performance, showed defensive maturity. |
| CM | Martin Ødegaard (C) | 6.9 | Looked to create but lacked cutting edge. |
| CM | Thomas Partey | 6.7 | Controlled midfield but couldn’t dictate tempo. |
| CM | Declan Rice | 6.1 | Solid defensively but quiet going forward. |
| RW | Gabriel Martinelli | 5.9 | Struggled to get into the game before injury. |
| ST | Kai Havertz | 5.9 | Isolated up front, little impact on the game. |
| LW | Leandro Trossard | 6.1 | Lively at times but lacked end product. |
Substitutes Used
| Position | Player | Minute Subbed On | Rating (1-10) | Performance Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FW | Ethan Nwaneri | 37′ | 5.8 | Struggled to make an impact after coming on. |
| MF | Mikel Merino | 61′ | 6.0 | Helped in possession but couldn’t change the game. |
| FW | Raheem Sterling | 61′ | 5.8 | Offered some pace but lacked end product. |
| MF | Jorginho | 78′ | 6.1 | Kept the ball moving but no real penetration. |
| DF | Riccardo Calafiori | 78′ | 6.8 | Defended well after coming on. |
Summary:
- Newcastle United: Disciplined in defense, clinical in attack. Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy stood out, while Dúbravka and the defensive unit ensured a clean sheet.
- Arsenal: Lacked a cutting edge in attack and were punished for mistakes at the back. Martin Ødegaard and Myles Lewis-Skelly were among the few bright spots.
- Final Score: Newcastle United 2-0 Arsenal (Agg: 4-0) – A dominant performance from the Magpies to book their place in the EFL Cup Final.
Tactical Takeaways & Talking Points
The EFL Cup Semi-Final Second Leg between Newcastle United and Arsenal was a masterclass in tactical discipline and clinical execution from Eddie Howe’s side, while Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal struggled to break down a well-structured Newcastle defence. Below are the key tactical insights and talking points from the match.
1. Newcastle’s Defensive Solidity & Compact Shape
- Eddie Howe set up his side in a structured 3-4-3 formation, which shifted into a deep 5-4-1 when out of possession, making it extremely difficult for Arsenal to penetrate.
- Fabian Schär, Sven Botman, and Dan Burn maintained a rigid defensive line, with Kieran Trippier and Lewis Hall providing extra coverage on the flanks.
- Arsenal dominated possession (63%), but most of their play was in non-threatening areas due to Newcastle’s compact midfield press.
- This forced Arsenal into wide areas, but their crosses were ineffective against Newcastle’s tall center-backs.
✅ Verdict: Newcastle executed a perfect defensive strategy, frustrating Arsenal and nullifying their attacking threat.
2. Arsenal’s Struggles in the Final Third
- Despite controlling possession, Arsenal failed to create clear-cut chances, recording only three shots on target in the entire match.
- Kai Havertz was isolated upfront, struggling to link up with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, who were well contained by Newcastle’s wing-backs.
- Bukayo Saka’s absence was a huge blow, as Arsenal lacked direct dribbling and width on the right flank.
- Mikel Arteta’s substitutions (Sterling, Merino, and Jorginho) had minimal impact, as Newcastle’s defensive shape remained unshaken.
❌ Verdict: Arsenal needed more creativity and movement in the final third. No clinical edge, no comeback.
3. Newcastle’s Efficient Counter-Attacks
- While Arsenal pushed forward, Newcastle waited for the right moments to strike on the break.
- Bruno Guimarães and Sandro Tonali played key roles in transitioning defense into attack, launching quick counter-attacks through Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy.
- Alexander Isak’s disallowed goal in the 3rd minute was a warning sign, but Newcastle eventually broke through in the 19th minute, when Murphy capitalized on a rebound from Isak’s shot off the crossbar.
- In the 52nd minute, Gordon sealed the game by punishing David Raya’s misplaced pass, showcasing Newcastle’s lethal efficiency in front of goal.
⚡ Verdict: Newcastle were clinical and ruthless, punishing Arsenal’s mistakes with precision and pace.
4. The Importance of Pressing & Defensive Transitions
- Newcastle’s pressing strategy was calculated and effective – they pressed Arsenal in selective phases, particularly in the middle third to disrupt their rhythm.
- Schär and Botman stepped into midfield when necessary to intercept passes and force Arsenal into rushed decisions.
- Declan Rice and Thomas Partey struggled to progress the ball, as Bruno Guimarães and Tonali aggressively cut off passing lanes.
- This frustrated Arsenal’s build-up play, forcing them into low-percentage long shots.
🔍 Verdict: Newcastle’s pressing intelligence and organized defensive transitions were key factors in keeping Arsenal at bay.
5. Individual Mistakes & Arsenal’s Defensive Fragility
- Arsenal’s defensive setup was exposed at crucial moments, particularly on Newcastle’s second goal.
- David Raya’s misplaced pass led directly to Gordon’s goal in the 52nd minute, showing Arsenal’s vulnerability under pressure.
- Saliba and Gabriel were caught too high up the pitch on several occasions, allowing Newcastle to exploit space behind them.
- Arsenal missed an experienced leader at the back, as William Saliba had an off-night, and Gabriel couldn’t hold the defensive line on his own.
⚠️ Verdict: Arsenal need better defensive organization in high-stakes games; costly errors handed Newcastle the win.
6. Newcastle’s Game Management & Tactical Maturity
- After going 2-0 up, Newcastle expertly managed the game, slowing the tempo and preventing Arsenal from gaining momentum.
- Eddie Howe’s late substitutions (Willock, Longstaff, and Wilson) were designed to preserve the lead and maintain defensive stability.
- Unlike previous Newcastle teams, this side showed tactical discipline and played with maturity beyond their years.
⏳ Verdict: Newcastle controlled the game beautifully and ensured Arsenal never got a foothold.
Final Talking Points
✔ Newcastle were tactically superior, executing a well-organized defensive plan and punishing Arsenal on the counter.
❌ Arsenal’s attack lacked creativity, and their defensive errors cost them a chance at a comeback.
🔥 Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy were outstanding, while Newcastle’s defense put in a near-flawless performance.
💡 Mikel Arteta must find solutions to Arsenal’s struggles against deep-block teams in knockout games.
Final Score: Newcastle United 2-0 Arsenal (Agg: 4-0)
🏆 Newcastle march into the EFL Cup final with a dominant display!
Fan Reactions
Newcastle United Fans:
- Elation and Pride: Newcastle supporters celebrated their team’s dominant performance and progression to the final. The atmosphere at St. James’ Park was electric, with fans praising the team’s tactical execution and resilience. One fan remarked, “Wow, what a win! I wasn’t expecting such a positive performance from such a negative formation. Newcastle were fantastic and a pleasure to watch.”
Arsenal Fans:
- Disappointment and Frustration: Arsenal fans expressed their dissatisfaction with the team’s performance, highlighting missed opportunities and defensive lapses. The early disallowed goal and subsequent conceded goals were points of contention among the fanbase.
Manager Quotes
Eddie Howe (Newcastle United):
- On the Team’s Performance: “It was a great night for us. It was a tough game but tactically we were good. The intention was to be aggressive and sometimes when you do that it doesn’t always work. Today it did.”
- On Tactical Execution: “The players followed the instruction to the letter, they deserve the credit. Fabian [Schär] had big distances to cover in his job, tracking Declan Rice whether he dropped low or went wide or went central. At times he went right across the pitch. He is a good athlete and is very capable of doing it.”
Mikel Arteta (Arsenal):
- Reflecting on the Match: “Physically, we were tired. We have played so many games. Emotionally as well, it was a very different game to believe right there in the end that we could do it.”
- On Missed Opportunities: “We had so many expectations to believe we could turn it around. The game started in the first action with the goal and it being denied. We had two moments, we didn’t capitalize and the game shifted.”
- Regarding Gabriel Martinelli’s Injury: “He felt something in the first half. We will have to assess.”
What’s Next for Arsenal?
Following their Carabao Cup exit, Arsenal must quickly regroup as they shift focus to key Premier League fixtures and their UEFA Champions League knockout campaign. With the race for domestic and European success still alive, Mikel Arteta’s side will need to bounce back strongly in the coming weeks.
1. Premier League Top-Four Battle
- Arsenal are currently in the midst of a heated Premier League title race and cannot afford any further slip-ups.
- Upcoming league fixtures include:
- February 15 – Leicester City (A)
- February 22 – West Ham United (H)
- February 26 – Nottingham Forest (A)
- March 9 – Manchester United (A)
- March 16 – Chelsea (H)
- With tough away games against Manchester United and Forest, Arsenal must rediscover their attacking edge to stay in the title hunt.
2. UEFA Champions League Knockout Stage Awaits
- Arsenal return to Champions League action in mid-February, facing a tough Round of 16 opponent.
- Given their struggles in the final third, Arteta will need to find better attacking solutions to navigate these high-pressure European nights.
- The Champions League remains a huge priority, as it represents one of Arsenal’s biggest ambitions this season.
3. Tactical Adjustments & Squad Depth Concerns
- Bukayo Saka’s absence was felt against Newcastle, and Arsenal’s attacking unit lacked creativity and cutting edge.
- Gabriel Martinelli’s injury scare is another major concern, as Arsenal will need their key wingers fully fit for the upcoming run of fixtures.
- Arteta may rotate his squad more in the coming games to keep players fresh, especially with Champions League fixtures on the horizon.
4. Mentality Reset: Can Arsenal Bounce Back?
- Arsenal’s Carabao Cup disappointment should serve as a wake-up call rather than a season-defining setback.
- Mikel Arteta’s message will be clear: Learn from the defeat, move forward, and focus on winning bigger prizes ahead.
- With the Premier League and Champions League still in play, the Gunners still have everything to fight for.
🚨 Final Thoughts: Arsenal’s next few games will define their season. A strong response is needed, and Arteta must rally his squad to ensure they remain competitive on all remaining fronts. Can the Gunners recover and push for silverware? The next few weeks will be crucial. 🔥🔴⚪
Conclusion – A Night to Forget, But a Season Still to Fight For
This was a very disappointing performance from Arsenal. A flat display, defensive mistakes, and a lack of attacking threat saw the Gunners crash out of both domestic cups, marking another frustrating missed opportunity for silverware. With no FA Cup and no Carabao Cup, the pressure is now firmly on the Premier League and Champions League to salvage the season.
The focus must now shift to not slipping up in the league. Arsenal cannot afford to let this setback derail them, but closing the gap on Liverpool looks like an uphill battle. With Arne Slot’s side leading the title race, Arsenal’s best hope might be to stay consistent, capitalize on any slip-ups, and at the very least, secure a strong top-four finish.
The Champions League now becomes absolutely crucial. If there’s one way to respond to this disappointment, it’s to make a deep run in Europe’s biggest competition. Hopefully, the frustration from fans, the manager, and the players will serve as motivation to push harder and go as far as possible. The squad must use this as a learning experience, ensuring the mistakes from this tie don’t happen in the Champions League knockout rounds.
However, one of the biggest concerns is the club’s failure to address attacking depth in the January transfer window. Arsenal fans have been crying out for an attacking signing, and now, with Gabriel Martinelli injured, the squad looks even thinner. The decision not to bring in a forward could prove costly, especially with Bukayo Saka already carrying a hamstring injury and the Champions League demanding squad depth.
Ultimately, this was a painful night for Arsenal fans, but the season isn’t over yet. Arteta and his squad must bounce back quickly, refocus on the league, and give everything to make a statement in Europe. If this disappointment doesn’t ignite a reaction, then serious questions will need to be asked in the coming months. The response starts now. 🔴⚪