Arsenal face historic challenge against Newcastle in League Cup semi-final | OneFootball

Arsenal head to St James’ Park on Wednesday night needing to overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit against Newcastle United in the League Cup semi-final.

The hosts, backed by their home crowd, are looking to secure their place in the final and take a step closer to ending their long wait for a major trophy.

Newcastle took full advantage at the Emirates Stadium last month, punishing Arsenal with clinical finishing from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon.

Eddie Howe’s side have proven difficult opponents for the Gunners in recent years, winning three of their last four meetings.

However, their form has dipped lately, suffering back-to-back home defeats to Bournemouth and Fulham.

That fragility on home turf will encourage Arsenal, who come into this clash in blistering form.

Mikel Arteta’s side have won five of their last six games in all competitions, including a statement 5-1 victory over Manchester City at the weekend.

The Gunners’ attacking output has been relentless, scoring 11 goals in their last four outings.

Arteta believes his side must harness the momentum from their victory over City. “The buzz the City game gave us and the manner we did it, it is momentum,” he said. “It is time for full gas and go for it.”

Arsenal have been prolific on the road this season, scoring three or more goals in five away matches. They will need a similar display to keep their cup ambitions alive.

However, history is against them. Only twice has a team overturned a first-leg home defeat to reach the final, with Arsenal themselves being the last to do so against Tottenham Hotspur in 1987.

The statistics get even worse when looking at teams who have lost the first leg by two or more goals – only one has ever progressed to the final in the competition’s history.

Newcastle, despite recent struggles, will not be content to simply sit on their lead. Howe has urged his players to embrace the occasion, dismissing the idea of protecting their advantage.

“Forget any talk of a lead,” Howe said. “What a great opportunity for us at home to attack the game, try and embrace everything in the face and do our best.”

One area of concern for Arsenal is their failure to sign a new striker in the January transfer window. The Gunners explored options, including Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, but failed to get a deal over the line.

Newcastle’s defensive resilience and counter-attacking threat have caused Arsenal problems before.

If they can withstand the early pressure, they will be confident of picking Arsenal apart again on the break.

The Gunners must be ruthless in attack and ensure they do not leave themselves exposed.This semi-final is finely poised. Whether Arsenal can defy history or Newcastle can hold their nerve will be decided under the lights at St James’ Park.