Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya made sure Newcastle’s fans could start a celebration lasting most of the second half when he inexplicably played Declan Rice into trouble as he was shadowed by Fabian Schar after 52 minutes, the ball ending at the feet of Anthony Gordon for a simple finish.
As St James’ Park went wild, Bruno Guimaraes picked up a black and white scarf hurled on to the side of the pitch, holding it above his head, while goalscorer Gordon grabbed another before mimicking the celebrating fans by swirling it around his head in elation.
In among all the throat-clearing in practice for Wembley, Newcastle’s fans reserved a special place for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who complained about the ball being used in the Carabao Cup after their first-leg loss.
“Mikel Arteta, it must be the ball”, became part of this soundtrack to victory as Newcastle’s players and staff did a lap of honour – even the normally low-key Howe fist-pumping towards The Leazes End in celebration.
Newcastle’s X account, external joined in the fun, posting a picture of the ball with the words ‘the culprit’, while some were wondering whether Gordon’s post-match demand for his team to ‘stay humble’ was a small dig at Arsenal’s weekend celebrations against City.
Shearer delivered his verdict on “X”, posting: “That was a proper performance man. Arsenal couldn’t live with the intensity. Better than them tonight in every position.”
He was not wrong.
For all the carnival, colour and noise, once heads clear and calm returns, Howe and Newcastle know the hard part remains. Can they finally cross the psychological barrier that has reduced Newcastle to also-rans for so long?
They have been here before, as recently as two years ago, but this was once again an illustration of the outstanding job Howe has done since succeeding Steve Bruce in November 2021, with the team then in 19th place and five points from safety after 11 games.
This is a huge opportunity, but they have had opportunities before.
What they do have is a world-class striker in Isak, Gordon in irresistible form, and midfield pair Sandro Tonali and Guimaraes who are capable of exerting full control against sides as good as Arsenal.
Gordon, perhaps with an unwitting reference to the message Arsenal were so keen to deliver to Manchester City on Sunday, said: “It’s important to stay humble now.”
Guimaraes, however, was in no mood to play down expectations and what Newcastle can achieve as he added: “Play like that and we can dream big. It would be amazing to get a trophy, it is my dream to do this.”
The final word, however, must go to the man behind it all, the manager who has made Newcastle fans believe again.
Howe said: “It is huge to get back to Wembley. The first appearance there was a bit unexpected, but with the club we want to be, we have to be there regularly, so it’s not a surprise.
“We are there on merit, our run has not been easy this year, we’ve faced four Premier League teams, so we have done the hard yards.
“Hopefully we can learn from the last experience and improve our performance.”
Learn, end 56 success-starved years, and Howe will make himself a Geordie legend.
