Arsenal must overcome 14-year feat to beat Newcastle – they’ve done it 13 times this season

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It’s now or never for Arsenal in the Carabao Cup as the Gunners face a steep hike in the semi-final second-leg against Newcastle United.

Overcoming Newcastle’s two-goal lead at St James’ Park is all that stands in the way of Arsenal and a cup final at Wembley.

On paper, the task seems simple, win by three or more goals and book a trip across the capital but, such is easier said than done.

Newcastle humiliated Arsenal with a 2-0 win in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at the Emirates, giving Mikel Arteta’s side a monstrous challenge to overcome in the North East. 

• READ MORE: Newcastle vs Arsenal – Carabao Cup semi-final second leg, TV channel, live stream details, injury news

Arsenal must do something at St James’ Park that they haven’t done since 2011

Even Arteta applauded Alexander Isak’s performance against Arsenal as the Newcastle striker ran the show in North London.

It’s clear why Arsenal want to sign Isak but for now, the Gunners must focus on getting the better of the Swede and his teammates at St James’ Park.

There’s a glimmer of hope there for the North Londoners to exploit, particularly as several key Newcastle players are a doubt heading into Wednesday night’s showdown. 

Arteta will want his side to adopt a tunnel vision approach to the game, as all that matters is that his players score three or more goals, something Arsenal haven’t done at St James’ Park in 14 years. 

The last time Arsenal scored more than three goals at the ground was in 2011 during the infamous 4-4 draw in the North East, as the late Cheick Tiote broke the Gunners’ hearts. 

Ironically, the fixture falls exactly 14 years after the 4-4 draw, which unfolded on February 5th 2011.

Arsenal will want to score multiple goals at St James’ Park to commemorate the fixture but, it would be best to avoid squandering a four-goal lead as the squad did in 2010/11.

Arsenal have scored three or more goals multiple times this season

It’s a difficult task for Arsenal, but not an impossible one, as Arteta’s side just showed that they’re capable of dictating the scoreline.

After beating Manchester City 5-1 at the Emirates, there’s no better time for the Gunners to face a goal-scoring challenge.

In all competitions this season, Arsenal have scored three or more goals 13 times, adding to the tally just days ago against the Premier League champions.

St James’ Park is not an easy place to visit, particularly not with a cup final on the line but, the Magpies are far from perfect in front of their own fans, winning 50% of their Premier League fixtures at home this term.

Arsenal have the chance to cause a major update up north on Wednesday night, in what is set to be a blockbuster battle between the two in-form sides.