Anthony Gordon’s performance and subsequent comments after Newcastle’s 2-0 victory over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg have raised eyebrows among fans.
The win secured a 4-0 aggregate victory for the Magpies, sending them through to the final at Wembley. Gordon’s goal was the final blow to Arsenal’s hopes of lifting the trophy, as he capitalized on a defensive mistake by the Gunners when they attempted to play out from the back. The 23-year-old’s words following the match have quickly gained traction on social media, with many fans speculating that he may have aimed a subtle dig at Arsenal in his post-match interview.
As Newcastle celebrated the victory, which followed a 2-0 win at home, Gordon spoke about the importance of maintaining humility despite their triumph. His comments, especially when viewed through the lens of recent events, seemed to reference the massive 5-1 win Arsenal had over Manchester City just days earlier.
In that match, Arsenal fans celebrated what they viewed as revenge after Manchester City striker Erling Haaland’s earlier remarks calling for Mikel Arteta to ‘stay humble.’ Gordon, however, echoed these sentiments when discussing his team’s approach to the upcoming final at Wembley, a tone which immediately resonated with Arsenal fans and prompted a flurry of reactions online.
Newcastle’s path to Wembley was built on a solid defensive structure and relentless pressing, with Gordon noting that the team had come into the game with a clear plan. “It’s important for us to stay humble now,” Gordon said in his Sky Sports interview, referring to the team’s attitude heading into the final. “It will be a big occasion but it’s so far away.” For many, these words appeared to mirror Haaland’s earlier comments, raising the suspicion that Gordon was making a quiet reference to Arsenal’s recent braggadocio. Social media users quickly caught on, with one commenting, “No way Anthony Gordon just said ‘it’s important to stay humble’—top class s***housery lad.”
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The 2-0 victory over Arsenal not only booked Newcastle’s place in the final, but it also served as a humbling moment for the Gunners. Despite their stunning 5-1 victory over Manchester City, Arsenal’s failure to overcome Newcastle has reminded their supporters that football’s swings of fortune can often turn quickly. The loss was a setback for Arsenal, which had hoped to capitalize on their momentum from the Manchester City win. Gordon’s words acted as a timely reminder that humility is crucial, regardless of recent success, something that seems to have struck a chord with football fans.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe expressed immense pride in his team’s achievement and emphasized how the Magpies’ regular appearances at Wembley were now becoming an expectation. “It’s huge. The first Wembley appearance was brilliant, it was sort of unexpected, but a club like this and where it wants to be, we need to be there regularly,” Howe said after the game. Newcastle’s 4-0 aggregate victory over Arsenal marked a significant step for the club, which has now reached its second Wembley final in just two years. The team’s rise has been swift, and their performance in this year’s Carabao Cup demonstrates their growing ambition.
Howe’s Reflections
Looking ahead to the final, Howe reflected on the lessons learned from Newcastle’s previous trip to Wembley, where they lost to Manchester United in 2023. He expressed the importance of improving on that experience, noting that while the performance wasn’t bad, there was definitely room for improvement. “We need to feel it’s not a surprise. We’re here on merit, our run’s not been easy. Look at the teams we’ve had to face,” Howe said. His words further emphasize that Newcastle’s progress has been hard-earned, and the team is keen to make the most of this opportunity by improving their preparation and execution in the upcoming final.
Newcastle’s upcoming clash at Wembley, against either Tottenham or Liverpool, will be an important milestone for both the team and their fans. With the final scheduled for Sunday, March 18, Newcastle is determined to make a statement. Whether or not Gordon’s comments were intended as a dig at Arsenal, they have certainly sparked conversation. As the Magpies prepare for what promises to be a thrilling final, fans of all clubs will be watching closely to see if Newcastle can clinch their first major trophy in years.
