Alexander Isak can send Mikel Arteta an irrefutable message against Arsenal by matching 22-year record

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Arsenal return to action in the EFL Cup as the Gunners host Newcastle United in the semi-final first leg.

Just three days after Arsenal’s 1-1 draw against Brighton, Mikel Arteta’s side have another crucial game to tend to.

The first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final takes place at the Emirates on Tuesday night, with Newcastle arriving at a dangerous time, being in fine form.

Eddie Howe’s side won’t be easy to beat, particularly over two legs, with matters not made any easier by Arsenal’s ongoing injury troubles.

• READ MORE: Arsenal v Newcastle – Free live stream, EFL Cup semi-final TV channels, team and injury news

Alexander Isak can make history against Arsenal 

Although Arsenal will be relieved that Newcastle duo Bruno Guimaraes and Fabian Schar are suspended for the fixture, there is another player the Gunners will be wary of.

That is of course Alexander Isak, who has already punished Arteta once this season, scoring the winner against Arsenal in November.

With 13 Premier League goals to his name already, the Sweden international is rarely away from the spotlight, making him the Gunners’ biggest threat on Tuesday night. 

Isak, who has been linked to Arsenal multiple times, could in fact make history at the Emirates in the semi-final first leg by matching a record that has stood for over 20 years.

That is because the last time a Newcastle player scored against Arsenal in two different games in a single season was in the 2001/02 calendar, 22 years ago.

It would be a statement for the forward to write his name into history against the Gunners, where he could both hurt and inspire Arteta.

Mikel Arteta must study Isak 

Arsenal have been urged to sign Isak, who some believe would be a perfect fit for Arteta’s project.

The Gunners have been without a reliable number nine since Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s eventful exit, emphasising the need for a player of Isak’s profile to arrive promptly. 

Arsenal’s chances of signing Isak are slim, as Howe placed a £150m price tag on his forward, and for good reason.

What better way to pass an audition at the Emirates than making history? That will be on Isak’s mind, and Arteta’s too, in what is set to be a difficult night in N5.