Arsenal 0-2 Newcastle: Magpies shock Gunners in first leg of Carabao Cup semi-final – as Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon strike to give them priceless lead in tie

Here’s a look at what you could have won, Arsenal.

Alexander Isak – Newcastle’s supreme striker, who is emerging as one of Europe’s deadliest goalscorers.

And Anthony Gordon, the versatile England striker whose reputation as one of this country’s most impressive attacking talents is growing.

Both players have been courted by Arsenal in the last 12 months. Both struck ruthlessly here, putting a dagger in the Gunners’ Carabao Cup hopes.

It’s only half-time, of course, and Arsenal, being Arsenal, will believe they can pull off a euphoric turnaround at St James’ Park in the second leg.

But based on this showing, they have no chance of climbing this mountain.

Not if they let Isak run riot like he did here.

That’s not to say this was a one-man show. Far from it. This was a Newcastle performance bursting with skill, discipline, work ethic and pride.

Isak’s electrifying performance was just the icing on the cake.

Arsenal will know they need to find an extra outfit – maybe two. This was not a display in keeping with the reputation Mikel Arteta has built here.

If they can find those levels, they can head north with hope in their hearts. But this was a blood-curdling evening for them.

But not fatal; they will hold on to that optimism.

The first half flew by. Breathless stuff. The EFL Cup – in its various guises over the years – has suffered a major blow.

People even say playing at Wembley doesn’t mean much. I try to tell that to the 29 players who played here.

Try telling that to the packed Emirates crowd that was gripped and hyped from the start.

Tell that to Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Lewis Hall and Gabriel Martinelli, who were all anguished after missing chances to open the scoring in the first half.

Tell that to Isak, who opened the scoring. Winning trophies is important, and playing at Wembley is still as magical as it ever was.

Arsenal’s start to the match was underwhelming. Declan Rice’s inswinging corners caused Newcastle all the problems. Timber should have sent a header away from his teammate’s beaten set-piece in the 13th minute.

It was all hands for the Geordies for the first twenty minutes as Arsenal attempted to seize the initiative in the first leg.

But gradually Newcastle grew. Just like the decibel level from the away team after Hall’s effort was blocked after brilliant striker play from Isak.

Arsenal’s early flow was stifled. Joelinton’s clear order to hold on to Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard like white on rice is integral to finding Newcastle.

But had Martinelli not hit the post with only Martin Dubravka to beat after Leandro Trossard’s sumptuous touch in the 29th minute, the opening 45 minutes might have turned in Arsenal’s favour.

But that didn’t happen – thanks to Isak.

Route one is the most effective; Dubravka’s drilled kick forward was started by Sven Botman, diverted by Jacob Murphy and hammered home by Newcastle’s Swedish predator.

Arsenal’s interest in Isak is no secret. If the finances are feasible, there is a good chance that Isak will drive to the Emirates more often next season to celebrate.

But that’s for then. The present is much more urgent.

Gabriel Magalhaes was thwarted late in the first half as Arsenal looked to draw level.

Arteta’s half-time instructions became abundantly clear during the opening of the second period.

The pace was slower, much more controlled by the Gunners. Like chalk and cheese compared to the dazzling first half.

It was logical that Arsenal took the sting out of the match. The confrontation with Newcastle did not yield the fruits they had hoped for in the first half.

Coincidentally, the second half didn’t get any closer either. Once again, Isak was somehow central, with three Arsenal players surrounding him, forcing David Raya into a save, leaving Anthony Gordon with the simple task of tapping the ball home at the back post.

Newcastle were euphoric. From there it’s a long journey to London. The return journey will not seem so difficult after this.

Arsenal – simply put – couldn’t deal with Isak. Saliba and Magalhaes make a formidable duo. Isak made them look normal here.

Kai Havertz missed a wonderful opportunity to halve the deficit just before the hour mark. Unnoticed from six meters he headed wide; Replays showed that his effort actually came from his shoulder.

Arteta had seen enough, the Spaniard continued the form of Gabriel Jesus and Jorginho in the hope of responding.

But Newcastle’s defense was tenacious. With their backs against the wall – a sequence of play in the 68th minute in which central midfielder Sandro Tonali and Joelinton threw their bodies at the same ball, which typified their minds.

Arsenal labored in attack, rather than being impressed. That should worry Arteta about the future.

The Gunners boss would have been happy to see the back of Isak in the 65th minute. What a footballer he is.

You might guess that Arsenal won’t be the only club in the mix to sign the super Scandinavian for next season.

But Arsenal’s need for a new striker is clear. Adding Isak to this team would give them a whole new, terrifying dimension.

But for now, Arsenal can only dream. Newcastle on the other hand; their Wembley dream is about to become a reality.