Newcastle United stormed into their second EFL Cup final in three years after a commanding 2-0 victory over Arsenal at St James' Park on Wednesday night.
The win completed a resounding 4-0 aggregate triumph in the semi-final tie, with the Magpies following up their impressive first-leg success at the Emirates Stadium.
Goals from Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon sealed Newcastle's passage to Wembley, where Eddie Howe's side will have the opportunity to end their 55-year trophy drought.
The comprehensive victory showcased Newcastle's growing stature in English football as they dominated Arsenal across both legs of the tie.
Anthony Gordon scored Newcastle's second goal of the night against Arsenal
Reuters
Newcastle started brightly, with Alexander Isak having an early goal disallowed for offside in the fourth minute.
The breakthrough came in the 19th minute when Jacob Murphy pounced on a rebound after Isak's shot struck the post.
Anthony Gordon doubled Newcastle's advantage in the second half, capitalising on a defensive error when Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya's misplaced pass to Declan Rice was intercepted.
The goals mirrored the scoreline from the first leg, with Newcastle's clinical finishing once again proving decisive against Mikel Arteta's side.
The trip to Wembley will bring back recent memories for Newcastle, who suffered disappointment in the 2023 League Cup final.
In that match, Manchester United emerged victorious with a 2-0 win through goals from Casemiro and Marcus Rashford.
The Magpies now have another chance to secure their first major domestic honour since 1969, when they lifted the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup.
The match held extra significance as Rafael Tiote, son of former Newcastle midfielder Cheick Tiote, was among the mascots exactly 14 years after his father's memorable strike in a 4-4 draw with Arsenal.
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Jacob Murphy opened the scoring for Newcastle as the Magpies beat Arsenal 4-0 on aggregate
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Newcastle will face either Liverpool or Tottenham in the final at Wembley on March 16.
The second leg of the other semi-final takes place at Anfield on Thursday, with Tottenham holding a 1-0 advantage from last month's first leg.
While the exact kick-off time for the final is yet to be confirmed, it is expected to follow last year's 3pm start time.
Ticket details for the showpiece event will be announced by Newcastle in due course, with sales to be handled directly through the competing clubs.
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