Carling Cup: Newcastle United v Arsenal full time report
Newcastle 0 Arsenal 4
Arsenal demolished Newcastle United to reach the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup.
A strong side was out in force for Arsenal tonight, and Theo Walcott scored a brace to set the Gunners along their way to the last eight for the eighth season in a row.
An own goal from Newcastle ‘keeper Tim Krul set Arsenal away seconds before half time. The ball was cleared off the line but came off the back of Krul’s head. It was a calamitous goal to concede for the Magpies.
Ten minutes into the second half, Walcott scored his fifth goal in five domestic games this season to put Arsenal two in front. He managed to beat the offside trap and showed great composure in front of goal, but Nicklas Bendtner controversially blocked off Mike Williamson in the build-up. The referee had a clear view of the incident and deemed it to be accidental, but it could easily have been given as a foul.
Bendtner scored his second goal in two games since returning from injury. Cesc Fabrégas picked up the loose ball, picked out Bendtner, who then from the edge of the box curled a wonderful shot into the far corner with seven minutes left to play.
Walcott added another and his second goal of the game as he latched onto the ball very quickly and slotted the ball into the back of the net with a few minutes remaining.
Arsenal began the game at an electrifying pace, and could have gone a goal up within 30 seconds of play. Vela forced Krul into a save after being played in, and then Krul was made to work for his money inside a minute. He then denied Bendtner with a save at his near post, but within minutes of nearly being two nil down, Newcastle had their first chance with Haris Vuckic hitting the side-netting.
Krul was the busier of the two ‘keepers, as this time he was made to save a shot from Emmanuel Eboue, who ran with the ball at his feet from a deep position and found his way into the box.
More chances came the way of the Gunners, as Walcott used his pace to get beyond the defence on the right hand side and get a ball into the penalty area, but he couldn’t find a teammate with the ball he played. Bendtner once again was getting as many shots in as he could. The Danish international, returning from a lengthy injury, scuffed his shot wide.
While Arsenal created good chances, Newcastle could have had a goal of their own on 15 minutes. Nile Ranger got beyond the Arsenal defence, went around Arsenal ‘keeper Wojciech Szczesny, but instead of going down to claim a penalty, he stayed on his feet with an open goal waiting. However, by the time he composed himself, Arsenal managed to get players back and block the shot.
Alan Smith then produced a fantastic shot a few minutes later. His shot hit the crossbar, with Szczesny getting the slightest of touches to divert the ball onto the woodwork.
Arsenal’s opening goal came off the back of Krul’s head after the ball bounced around in the penalty area. It was scrappy, but on the basis of play, it was probably well-deserved from the north London side.
James Perch had the first chance of the second half for Newcastle after getting away from his marker from the corner, but couldn’t direct his header on target.
Walcott doubled Arsenal’s lead in controversial circumstances. There was nothing wrong with the finish from the England man, but it was Bendtner who blocked off one of the chasing defenders. Walcott beat the offside trap and dinked the ball beautifully over Krul.
As if things weren’t bad enough for Newcastle at this point, Arsenal captain Fabrégas made an appearance with 20 minutes to go, such was the strength of the team Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger brought with him to St James’ Park tonight.
Bendtner did get his goal and was a nuisance all night. His second goal in two games since coming back from a lengthy injury, and he is certainly making up for lost time.
A trademark free kick from Ryan Taylor was well saved from Szczesny, who made a brave save before at the feet of Andy Carroll to keep his clean sheet intact.
Walcott like Bendtner is also making up for lost time, and he scored his second goal of the game after reacting instinctively and racing clear towards goal, and once again showing composure to finish.
Arsenal signalled their intentions tonight, and are fully taking the Carling Cup seriously this season.
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