Humble Alexander Isak credits Newcastle team-mates as he creates history with ‘massive’ goal against Arsenal
Alexander Isak’s history-making goal set Newcastle on their way to a famous first leg win in their Carabao Cup semi-final clash with Arsenal. Isak scored the opener in the 37th minute at the Emirates Stadium as he slammed the ball in-off the crossbar with his left foot. GettyIsak’s rich vein of form continued with a goal against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup[/caption] The Sweden international has been in excellent form of late and now extended his overall goal tally for the season in all competitions to 15. It was also the first time Newcastle have ever scored in the League Cup against Arsenal in what is their fifth showdown against them in the competition. Another impressive feat has seen Isak equal a 23-year-long Newcastle record. Isak scored their winner in the 1-0 Premier League victory against Arsenal on November 2. The last Magpies player to score against the Gunners in two different games in one season was Laurent Robert in the 2001/02 campaign. Robert netted his first in a 3-1 league win at Highbury and his second came in their FA Cup quarter-final 1-1 draw at St James’ Park. Isak was also heavily involved in the second goal for Newcastle as his close-range effort was palmed away by Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya before Anthony Gordon turned the loose ball in. And despite being touted as the top striker in Europe at the moment, Isak was quick to thank his team-mates in his post-match reaction. He said: “It’s massive, it’s a great result. It’s only the first half. If we don’t go through then this has no meaning. It’s a massive win. “I don’t think it’s too much of an individual thing, it’s more a team thing. We’ve been very consistent to create chances. This goal from Gordon has given Newcastle a 2-0 lead going into the second legGetty Robert was the last Newcastle player to score two goals against Arsenal in a seasonGetty “It’s difficult to put a finger on but we’ve found our way back to our identity and the basics. It starts with how we defend. The defence and the midfield put their body on the line.” The result puts Newcastle in pole position to reach the Carabao Cup final for the second time in three years with the second leg to take place at St James’ Park on February 5. Newcastle made further history again when the final whistle was blown by securing their first ever League Cup win over Arsenal. In their previous League Cup tie, the North London outfit ran out 4-0 winners at St James’ Park in October 2010. A brace from Theo Walcott along with a Nicklas Bendtner strike and Tim Krul own goal sealed a comfortable fourth round victory. Arsene Wenger’s side went on to reach the final later in the campaign, where they were beaten by Birmingham at Wembley Stadium. Meanwhile, with Jacob Murphy assisting Isak for the opener, the pair have now combined for seven goals in all competitions this term. Their tally is the most of any Premier League duo during the current campaign. The pair’s latest piece of link-up play put Eddie Howe’s side in the driving seat for a place in a second final in the last three seasons. Newcastle are bidding to end their 56-year wait for a major trophy, a run which dates back to their Inter-Cities Fairs Cup triumph in 1969. Should they progress to the final, a Wembley date with Tottenham or Liverpool awaits on March 16.
Alexander Isak’s history-making goal set Newcastle on their way to a famous first leg win in their Carabao Cup semi-final clash with Arsenal.
Isak scored the opener in the 37th minute at the Emirates Stadium as he slammed the ball in-off the crossbar with his left foot.
The Sweden international has been in excellent form of late and now extended his overall goal tally for the season in all competitions to 15.
It was also the first time Newcastle have ever scored in the League Cup against Arsenal in what is their fifth showdown against them in the competition.
Another impressive feat has seen Isak equal a 23-year-long Newcastle record.
Isak scored their winner in the 1-0 Premier League victory against Arsenal on November 2.
The last Magpies player to score against the Gunners in two different games in one season was Laurent Robert in the 2001/02 campaign.
Robert netted his first in a 3-1 league win at Highbury and his second came in their FA Cup quarter-final 1-1 draw at St James’ Park.
Isak was also heavily involved in the second goal for Newcastle as his close-range effort was palmed away by Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya before Anthony Gordon turned the loose ball in.
And despite being touted as the top striker in Europe at the moment, Isak was quick to thank his team-mates in his post-match reaction.
He said: “It’s massive, it’s a great result. It’s only the first half. If we don’t go through then this has no meaning. It’s a massive win.
“I don’t think it’s too much of an individual thing, it’s more a team thing. We’ve been very consistent to create chances.
“It’s difficult to put a finger on but we’ve found our way back to our identity and the basics. It starts with how we defend. The defence and the midfield put their body on the line.”
The result puts Newcastle in pole position to reach the Carabao Cup final for the second time in three years with the second leg to take place at St James’ Park on February 5.
Newcastle made further history again when the final whistle was blown by securing their first ever League Cup win over Arsenal.
In their previous League Cup tie, the North London outfit ran out 4-0 winners at St James’ Park in October 2010.
A brace from Theo Walcott along with a Nicklas Bendtner strike and Tim Krul own goal sealed a comfortable fourth round victory.
Arsene Wenger’s side went on to reach the final later in the campaign, where they were beaten by Birmingham at Wembley Stadium.
Meanwhile, with Jacob Murphy assisting Isak for the opener, the pair have now combined for seven goals in all competitions this term.
Their tally is the most of any Premier League duo during the current campaign.
The pair’s latest piece of link-up play put Eddie Howe’s side in the driving seat for a place in a second final in the last three seasons.
Newcastle are bidding to end their 56-year wait for a major trophy, a run which dates back to their Inter-Cities Fairs Cup triumph in 1969.
Should they progress to the final, a Wembley date with Tottenham or Liverpool awaits on March 16.
