SEAToday.com, Jakarta - Newcastle United has booked a place in the EFL Cup final after defeating Arsenal 2-0 in the second leg of the semifinal at St James’ Park on Thursday local (Indonesia) time. The Magpies advanced with a 4-0 aggregate victory, having won by the same scoreline in the first leg.

Jacob Murphy opened the scoring in the 19th minute, capitalizing on a rebound after Aleksandar Isak’s shot hit the post. Anthony Gordon doubled the lead in the 52nd minute, punishing a defensive error by Arsenal.

Newcastle initially found the net earlier through Isak, who finished off a through ball from Gordon, but the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR review.

Arsenal pushed for a response, with Martin Odegaard coming close, but his attempt was denied by Sven Botman. The Gunners had another promising chance, but Odegaard’s shot went wide.

Newcastle extended their lead in the second half after Fabian Schar’s tackle on Declan Rice sent the ball into Gordon’s path. The winger calmly slotted it past goalkeeper David Raya to make it 2-0.

Trailing by two goals, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta made several substitutions, bringing on Raheem Sterling, Mikel Merino, Riccardo Calafiori, and Jorginho to add more attacking threat. However, The Gunners failed to find the back of the net before the final whistle.

With this victory, Newcastle United advances to the EFL Cup final, keeping their hopes alive for their first major trophy since 1955.