After watching Arsenal let up a goal against Newcastle due to that technique, Jamie Carragher has instructed managers to forbid goalkeepers from transferring the ball to midfielders who are sprinting towards their own goal when under duress. The Magpies completed a 4-0 aggregate triumph in the Carabao Cup semi-finals on Wednesday night, defeating the Gunners 2-0 at St. James’ Park. Arsenal’s quest for a trophy continues, but Eddie Howe’s team will not play either Liverpool or Tottenham in the Wembley final.
Howe gave center-back Fabian Schar the assignment of pursuing Declan Rice as Newcastle put a lot of pressure on Arsenal using man-to-man tactics. In the second half, the defender’s long-distance effort to press Arsenal’s deep midfielder paid dividends. Under pressure from Schar, Rice was sprinting back towards his own goal when Gunners keeper David Raya attempted a quick pass to him. By sliding in on the England player and pushing the ball to Anthony Gordon, who blasted past Raya, the 33-year-old displayed incredible intensity.
Raya’s mistake allowed Anthony Gordon to make it 2-0
“Keepers need to be banned from playing those passes into midfield players,” tweeted Carragher following the game, criticizing Raya’s decision-making. Gary Neville criticized center-backs Gabriel and William Saliba for being left “on toast” by Alexander Isak, so Raya wasn’t the only player whose performances were scrutinized. On commentary, he stated, “It’s all about Isak after witnessing Isak terrorize the defensive duo to inspire Newcastle’s opening goal.” He’s teasing the center backs for Arsenal.
In contrast to Saliba, who believes he has the upper hand, he pops it around the corner. It’s a strike, and it’s a stroke of luck that the pass doesn’t get to him, instead falling to Murphy. However, he is toasting Saliba and Gabriel.
When Newcastle took advantage of the sluggish build-up from the back, Raya’s reckless throw to Rice cost them dearly. Newcastle won 2-0 (4-0 overall) and advanced to the Carabao Cup final. They will face the victor of the other Tottenham vs. Liverpool semi-final on Thursday. Spurs won last month, and now they have a 1-0 overall advantage. After reaching the 2023 final and losing 2-0 to Manchester United, this is Newcastle’s second final in three years.
