Goals from Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon put Newcastle out of sight with a 4-0 aggregate victory over Arsenal to seal their spot in the Carabao Cup final.
Barring their promotion from the Championship in 2017, Newcastle have not picked up major silverware for nearly 60 years, but both performances against Mikel Arteta’s side were well-deserving of a shot at ending their trophy drought on an evening in which they dealt with the occasion admirably.
The Magpies went into the second leg at St James’ Park with a 2-0 aggregate advantage, and looked to have immediately added to it when Alexander Isak raced through and sunk an emphatic finish just four minutes in, only for his effort to be ruled out for offside.
But Eddie Howe’s side did not let that deflate them, as Murphy did extend the aggregate lead to three on 19 minutes, tapping home after Isak struck a thunderous effort off the post.
The Swedish striker and fellow forward Gordon had Arsenal’s typically imperious defence quaking under the vociferous atmosphere, running William Saliba and Gabriel ragged as Arsenal’s hopes of an unlikely comeback grew distant.
And it was Gordon who ultimately put the tie out of sight, pouncing on some calamitous play out of defence to stroke home just seven minutes after half-time, allowing the home crowd to enjoy the occasion as they saw their side romp to an impressive victory over the Premier League’s second-placed side.
In fact, the victory also extends Newcastle’s impressive record over The Gunners this season, triumphing in all three of their meetings, while keeping clean sheets in each.
The Magpies will face either Liverpool or Tottenham in the final at Wembley Stadium in March. Ange Postecoglou’s side – also looking to spell an end to their own trophy drought – lead 1-0 ahead of Thursday’s clash at Anfield.