NEWCASTLE threw the first blow at Arsenal in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final after a 2-0 win at the Emirates.
Shooters aimed at Alexander Isak showed his pistol fingers after he put Eddie Howe's side ahead inside 37 minutes.
Isak's seventh goal in five games came just eight minutes after Gabriel Martinelli's effort hit the post.
Anthony Gordon doubled the deficit as Arsenal created numerous chances, including a sitter from Kai Havertz in the 58th minute.
But high-flying Newcastle secured their first win in the Emirates since 2010 as they cemented their place as Mikel Arteta's bogey team.
Arsenal, meanwhile, suffered their first home defeat since Aston Villa but all but ended their Premier League title hopes in April 2024.
For years it was an after-the-fact match, but Newcastle appear determined to secure their first silverware in 70 years.
Taste buds are already eager for the second leg on Tyneside on February 5, where Arsenal lost 1-0 in the Prem in November.
Here, SunSport's Jordan Davies rates each Arsenal player as they look to find a way to come back from a two-goal lead next month.
DAVID RAYA – 6/10
He looked nervous at times with the ball at his feet but could do nothing to stop Alexander Isak's brilliant close-range finish.
Unlucky to see his save pulled off by Anthony Gordon.
MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 8
The academy product was again very impressive. Stayed well out of danger on both sides of the field. So calm under pressure.
GABRIEL – 6
Gave Isak far too much space to maneuver a shot into the penalty area before Toon's second. Wasteful and ineffective from angles.
WILLEM SALIBA – 6
An early attempt was blocked close to the line by Dan Burn. Was able to handle Isak well until he lost a header to Sven Botman, allowing the Toon striker to score.
JURRIEN HOUT – 5
I missed an absolute sitter from three feet from a corner.
Then was caught asleep just after the break to allow Gordon to double Newcastle's lead.
THOMAS PARTEY – 6
Linked defense and offense quite well without ever really doing anything spectacular.
DECLAN RICE – 6
Jacob Murphy plays onside from a tapped free kick that gives Newcastle the lead.
Took more responsibility on the ball in the second half.
MARTIJN ODEGAARD – 7
Badly scarred by Joelinton, but was able to return to his best after a wave of illness.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 8
Much more direct in his running. Unlucky that he did not open the score with his driven shot on the post after half a sprint.
Remained positive in his game – just missed the finishing touch.
LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6
He sneaked away by dragging Isak down to prevent the Swede from joining a Newcastle counter in the first half and making a good first pass to set up Martinelli. Those were his only highlights.
KAI HAVERTZ – 5
Perhaps just back from a bout of illness, but the big German did very little apart from somehow slotting a header unnoticed wide from six yards out
SUBS:
JORGINHO (PARTY, 59) – 7
Some nice passes into dangerous areas and sprayed the ball around with conviction.
GABRIEL JESUS (TROSSARD, 59) – 6
Lively and sharp without really testing Newcastle's four or goals.]
OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO (LEWIS-SKELLY, 77) – 5
Booked for a brash challenge at Joelinton within a minute of arriving.
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