The game was over by the 52nd minute, as Jamie Redknapp’s forecast went tragically wrong.
Newcastle United coach Jason Tindall claims that the Toon’s backroom personnel instructed them to go “right after Arsenal” in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
However, the Magpies’ tactical mastery left Arsenal with no answer to United’s attacking drive, and Sky Sports commentator Jamie Redknapp misjudged the visitors’ approach to the game. Reknapp had stated that Arsenal would remain in the game until the end.
He stated: “Arsenal just needs to be patient because even if they score after 80 minutes, they will still be in the game. “If they score, the crowd will become agitated, and anything could happen.”
However, the deadlock was essentially ended at 19 minutes when Jacob Murphy continued his hot streak by wrapping his foot around the rebound of Alexander Isak’s blistering strike. And any chance of late nerves vanished on 52 minutes when Anthony Gordon clinched the match, making it 4-0 on aggregate.
Despite selecting a five-man defensive rearguard, with Dan Burn, Fabian Schar, and Sven Botman at the heart of the backline, assistant coach Tindall came to explain that Newcastle’s strategy was never to sit back.
While Newcastle set up in a 5-4-1 formation, Jacob Murphy, Alexander Isak, and Anthony Gordon formed a front three when in possession. Despite having only 31% possession, United mustered 10 goal attempts and proved dangerous in front of goal in both halves, due to goals from wing wizards Murphy and Gordon.
Tindall stated, “Arsenal are a top, top team.” They were constantly present and had a wonderful unbeaten streak, but it was critical that we committed to our game plan.
“It was up to the players to go out and execute it, so they deserve full credit. We pursued them from the start and made them uncomfortable.
“We did an excellent job of defending our box when necessary. And we know we’re always a threat, so we expected Alexander Isak and Jacob Murphy to have their moments. When they arrived, it was all about taking chances.
Dan Burn of Blyth applauded the coaching team for the tactical change, which was made on Monday morning following the defeat to Fulham, saying: “You have to believe the boss and what he tells you to do.
“Arsenal does a lot of game management, and so did we. If we stick to the game plan, we will succeed as a team.”
