In-form Newcastle pose tough test for Arsenal in EFL Cup semi-final | OneFootball

Arsenal face Newcastle United in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday. It is a chance for Mikel Arteta’s side to edge closer to silverware despite mounting obstacles.

The Gunners are grappling with a hectic fixture schedule and a growing injury list. Ethan Nwaneri, Bukayo Saka, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Ben White are among those sidelined. Illness concerns persist, with Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz doubtful. Arteta has acknowledged the strain on his squad but insists the focus remains on adapting and competing.

Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion at the weekend epitomised their recent struggles. William Saliba’s controversial penalty decision overshadowed Ethan Nwaneri’s historic opener, and the Gunners failed to sustain their early dominance. The result leaves Arsenal off the pace in the Premier League, but their unbeaten home record across all competitions this season provides a glimmer of hope.

Arteta has emphasised the significance of the EFL Cup in lifting morale and validating the team’s progress. Arsenal last won this trophy in 1993, and with a final appearance in 2021, their relationship with the competition has been bittersweet. The stakes are high, but so is the opportunity to claim an elusive trophy.

Newcastle, however, pose a formidable challenge. Eddie Howe’s side defeated Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 on Saturday, their sixth consecutive win in all competitions. The Magpies have already eliminated Nottingham Forest, Brentford, and Chelsea in the EFL Cup, showcasing their pedigree. Arsenal will also remember their opening-day defeat to Newcastle in the league, underlining the visitors’ threat.

Arteta remains optimistic, urging the home crowd to create an electrifying atmosphere. He sees this tie as not just a test but a chance to prove Arsenal’s resilience. “We are still a really good team,” he stated confidently, brushing aside talk of excuses.

As Arsenal prepare for this critical clash, the path ahead is fraught with challenges. Yet, the prospect of silverware could galvanise a squad battling adversity. The Emirates will host the first chapter of this semi-final, but it is the Gunners’ character and depth that will determine how far they go. For Arteta’s men, the journey to end a three-decade EFL Cup drought begins now.