Newcastle United’s hopes of reaching Wembley may be less optimistic than a few weeks ago, but there is still confidence that they can see off Arsenal when the two sides clash at St James’ Park on Wednesday.
The Magpies go into the second leg of their semi-final with a two-goal advantage after a stunning victory over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in early January. Strikes from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon put United in the box seat to reach the final.
The victory was part of a stunning run of form for Eddie Howe’s side that saw them win nine games on the bounce and storm into Champions League contention. Hopes were high for a fantastic end to the season for Newcastle – especially with Arsenal suffering a number of injuries to key men like Bakayo Saka.
However, Newcastle’s recent dip in form – two defeats at home against Bournemouth and Fulham – plus a difficult transfer window that saw Miguel Almiron and Lloyd Kelly depart and no one come in, has left a cloud hanging over the club going into such a crunch match.
Former Newcastle United and England star Chris Waddle has seen it all before on Tyneside. The legendary winger knows all about the club’s 70-year wait for a domestic trophy and thinks Arsenal’s return to form – they thumped Man City 5-1 at the weekend – adds another layer to the problem facing Howe.
With a threadbare squad to call upon, there are worries that fatigue could set in for Newcastle’s players, who certainly haven’t played with the same intensity in recent games. Should they get off to a bad start in front of a nervous home crowd, Waddle worries that there could be some panic inside the stadium – but believes an ‘electric’ St James’ Park atmosphere could put Arsenal under real pressure like it has in games between the two teams before.
Waddle said: “Newcastle have a 2-0 lead. With nearly a month between the two legs, that’s quite unusual.
“Newcastle have a busy schedule ahead, with FA Cup and league games coming up. They’ll be ready for Wednesday night against Arsenal. Arsenal, meanwhile, could end up playing a couple of games more than Newcastle, which will make it very tough for them at St James’ Park. They’ll probably be looking at what Bournemouth and Fulham did against Newcastle.
“It’s an intriguing tie. You’d think Newcastle, being at home, would have enough to score and progress, but we all know that Newcastle have struggled to get over the line and win trophies.
“We don’t know what Arsenal’s injury situation will be, but whatever happens, Newcastle will be under pressure. On paper, I’d say Newcastle have enough to go through, but it’s going to be a tough match for them.
“Newcastle are starting to feel the pace now. They’ve had a great run, with nearly the same team playing every game. Are they beginning to feel the fatigue? There’s going to be a lot of pressure on Newcastle. Arsenal have nothing to lose, they’ve got big players who’ve been there and done it. The atmosphere at St James’ will be electric. If Arsenal score first, you may see panic set in.”
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