So’ton 0 – 1 Newcastle

Newcastle took a step closer to their first domestic cup final since 1999 with a 1-0 win over struggling Southampton, whose woes were compounded as they had another goal ruled out by VAR and were reduced to 10 men at the end.

Joelinton was guilty of rejecting what appeared to be the best chance to play the cage when he was found by Miguel Almiron at the back post, shooting aimlessly at the goal line with a gap (53), before atoning for his previous mistake by tapping the substitute. Cross of Alexander Isak (73).

Che Adams squandered Southampton’s best chance before the opening game, being second best in a one-on-one with the “outstanding” Nick Pope (65), before Adam Armstrong was denied after fumbling the ball over the line (75). only for VAR to spot a handball in the build-up – for the second time in three days, Saints have seen a goal disallowed after a VAR review.

“We have been the victim of four VAR calls against us [recently]”said Nathan Jones after the match.

Magpies goalkeeper Pope has made 10 appearances and faced 20 shots since last conceding a goal, which has seen Newcastle keep more clean sheets in all competitions than any other team in Europe’s five leagues.

“Nick made some great saves today. Especially against him [Che] Adams – it’s a big moment in the match. He stood tall for us like he did all season. I can’t rate it highly enough,” said manager Eddie Howe.

The two sides will meet again on January 31 to decide who will claim the Wembley final prize at the end of February against Nottingham Forest or Manchester United.

How Newcastle put one foot in the final

Cup progress has provided some time for idle boss Nathan Jones after three wins in a week in January saw Saints advance in the FA Cup, Carabao Cup and beat Everton in Premier League action.

Since then, Southampton have come back down to earth with a 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa – their fourth successive defeat in the league – and a semi-final setback at the hands of Newcastle.

“1-0 was really soft, nothing was decided,” Howe said Sky Sports after that, but Newcastle will remain the favorites to progress, with Joelinton notching his third goal in eight games.

The Saints, who had Armstrong’s equalizer disallowed for a handball by VAR, saw a night of frustration complete when Duje Caleta-Car was sent off in the closing stages – his first dismissal in any competition in more than 12 months.

The defender, who was booked for a clumsy challenge on Allan Saint-Maximin in the 86th minute, will be ruled out of the return leg for seven days.

Midfielder Joelinton also had a first-half goal ruled out by VAR, in a similar fashion to Armstrong, before no one sat down but then gave Isak’s teasing delivery a touch. The substitute rounded Caleta-Car and laid the ball on a plate for the Brazilian in the back corner, who curled it into the net with Gavin Bazunu stranded.

“The goal was naive,” Jones concluded.

Howe urged caution ‘Outstanding’ Pope

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe:

“It was a tough game. Both teams would have loved to win, but it was only half time. We weren’t clinical until Joe’s goal. I can’t criticize the team in any way, it’s been a good day for us.

“There’s a lot to play for. We need Nick [Pope]. Nice to see VAR intervene [to disallow Southampton’s goal].

“Nick’s two saves made it a big moment in the game. It was a big moment in the game, Nick stood up. He’s been incredible for us this year. He’s got a good defense in front of him but whenever he needs it he produces things for us.”

Jones: Can’t celebrate anymore because of VAR

Southampton manager Nathan Jones:

“I’m really proud of our level of performance. They’re a tough team to play against. I think we’re very good and for us to compete like we did, we’ve come a long way. In the second half, we really stepped up. quality.

“Now you can’t celebrate goals because you don’t know what’s going to happen. You don’t know. We’ve been the victims of four VAR goals [recently]. Really disappointed. No problem with the officials or anything, given in the VAR studio.

“I thought it was a fun game. We went straight after them, we were brave and courageous and energetic. We knew we needed help, better quality, if we got it and stopped chasing goals regularly. It would be more difficult to beat. If we do this, we will be a better team.

“We need this window to recruit. You’ve seen it [Charly] Alcaraz tonight, which I think is phenomenal.”

Guimaraes: The best whales in the world

Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes:

“We played very well. We controlled the game but missed a few chances. We are happy to win the first game – 1-0 is important for us. I am proud of the team today.

“We could have scored more, but we had one goal, which is important. I want to thank Nick Pope. He has been great for us. I think he is the best goalkeeper in the world right now.”

Opta Stats: Saints’ first red card in over 12 months

• Southampton have lost four of their last five home games in all competitions (W1), having lost just one of the five before that (W1 D3).
• Newcastle won a League Cup match against Premier League opposition for the first time since October 2014, when they beat Manchester City 2-0 (lost 0-4 to Tottenham in December 2014 and drew 1-1 with Hull in November 2016).
• Duje Caleta-Car’s red card was Southampton’s first dismissal in any competition in over 12 months, since Yan Valery saw red against Swansea in the FA Cup on January 8, 2022.
• Joelinton has scored three goals in his last eight games in all competitions for Newcastle, as he did in his previous 27 games.

What’s next?

Southampton return to action in the FA Cup on Saturday with a visit from Blackpool; kick-off at 3pm.

The Saint then faced Newcastle in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final at St. James’ Park on Saturday, live on Sky Sports; kick-off 8pm.

Newcastle are out of the FA Cup, meaning they have a free weekend. As a result, the next game visit from Southampton Saturday, when a place in the Carabao Cup final will be on the line.

The Magpies then return to Premier League action with a visit from West Ham Saturday, February 4, live on Sky Sports; kick-off 5.30pm.