Arsenal lost at home to Newcastle United in the first leg of the English League Cup.
Arsenal lost to Newcastle 0-2 (0-1) on Tuesday (January 7, 2025). It was Arsenal’s first home defeat of the season. Former Dortmund player Alexander Isak gave the “Magpies” the lead (37th), Anthony Gordon increased after the break (51st). The German national player Kai Havertz played through – without scoring.
The second leg will take place in Newcastle on February 5th. Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool FC will contest the second semi-final on Wednesday, with the second leg scheduled for February 6th in Liverpool.
The League Cup trophy at Wembley Stadium
League Cup: Winner gets a place in the qualification for the Conference League
In the semi-finals, if there is a tie after the first and second leg, there will be a penalty shootout immediately without extra time. The two winners meet in a final at Wembley. In addition to the title, the winner will receive a place in the 3rd qualifying round of the Conference League. If the winning club has already qualified for a European competition, another club from the Premier League plays in the Conference League.
Given the tight schedule, there is often debate about the abolition of the League Cup. For the clubs in the 2nd to 4th leagues, however, it means financial security. The League Cup games with the big clubs are part of the TV contract.