Arsenal were designated as the administrative home team for the game, suggesting they would have aimed to secure a favorable result to take to St James’ Park for the second leg. However, this did not materialize, as Newcastle performed excellently and took the lead in the first half through Alexander Isak’s close-range goal.

In the second half, they doubled their lead when David Raya’s parry fell to Anthony Gordon, who finished to make it 2-0. Eddie Howe’s team delivered an exemplary away performance in preparation for the second leg, but Arsenal’s experience was vastly different.

Despite registering 16 shots in the first hour, Arsenal failed to score, with Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka only making three saves during that period. Arsenal increased the pressure toward the end but still could not break through, resulting in a 2-0 victory for Newcastle.

Arsenal fans believe two attackers, in particular, should be dropped by Mikel Arteta for the return leg on Tyneside. Many pointed out Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli as players who should either be left out of the lineup or even considered for departure from the club entirely.

One fan commented: “Trossard and Martinelli can leave now, not good enough anymore, just pathetic and consistently poor.” Another remarked: “Gabriel Jesus, our most in-form player, is being benched by Trossard and Martinelli.” A third stated: “Sterling surely can’t be worse than Trossard and Martinelli tonight.” Another simply said: “Martinelli… not good enough. Trossard… not good enough.” A fifth added: “We need better attackers, including better wingers than Martinelli and Trossard.”