LONDON -- The signs are getting difficult to ignore for Arsenal. Whether it is the sight of a No. 14 beating defenders at will and scoring the opening goal, or Anthony Gordon actually invoking Thierry Henry's corner flag celebration when doubling Newcastle United's advantage, reminders of the value of an iconic centre-forward were everywhere on Tuesday evening.
On a less abstract level, Arsenal's finishing at Emirates Stadium was awful, their profligacy a major contributing factor to a 2-0 home defeat which leaves Newcastle firm favourites to progress from this two-legged Carabao Cup semifinal.