Arsenal were dealt a sobering setback in their quest for silverware as Shay Given's former side Newcastle stunned them 2-0 at the Emirates in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final on Tuesday night.
Predictably, Newcastle striker Alexander Isak found himself in the goals with winger Anthony Gordon adding the second to take a big advantage back to St James' Park.
Who else but Alexander Isak?
Newcastle break the deadlock in North London! 💥 pic.twitter.com/Qv80CKvqAD
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) January 7, 2025
Arsenal struggled to worry the opposition with any regularity, Gabriel Martinelli's strike cannoning off the post in the first-half during their best spell of the game.
However, a good trophy opportunity for the Gunners now looks anything but, with Liverpool due to take on Tottenham Hotspur in the other fixture on Wednesday.
It is the latest lull for an Arsenal side in the midst of yet another Premier League title race, having flirted with glory in the last two seasons before losing out to Manchester City.
Shay Given claims Arsenal stars were 'scared' of Isak
Legendary Irish goalkeeper Given, who spent 12 years of his playing career with Newcastle, was in the Sky Sports studio on punditry duty as the fixture unfolded.
The 134-times capped international observed that Arsenal's central defenders, Gabriel and William Saliba, were 'frightened' by the striker who bagged a goal and an assist on the night.
Isak... you know the two centre-backs Saliba and Gabriel have probably been one of the best parts of Arsenal.
"But I think they are scared of Isak, his pace, he was coming short and (going) in behind, I think he has frightened these two centre-halves."
It was another outstanding performance from the Swede, who is reported to have many suitors - including Arsenal - who are interested in prying him from Newcastle ahead of next season.
The sides will meet again in the second leg on February 5, as Newcastle look to return to Wembley for the final for the second time in three seasons.
