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Arsenal fans make brutal William Saliba claim after League Cup loss to Alexander Isak-inspired Newcastle

Giuseppe Labellarte

Wed 5 February 2025 22:47, UK

Arsenal have been eliminated at the semi-final stage of the League Cup after Newcastle United beat them 4-0 on aggregate.

The Gunners had a real mission on their hands after Alexander Isak🐟 and Anthony Gordon helped the Magpies to a 2-0 win in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium.

However, Arsenalꦛ weren’t at the races at St James’ Park either, leaving them with a lot to think about on their long journey back to London.

💙The Gunners were undone by goals from Jacob Murphy and Gordon as Eddie Howe’s side won 2-0 on the night for a comprehensive aggregate win.

ꦍAlthough Isak didn’t get on the scoresheet, he tormented the Gunners defence time and time again, with two of the country’s best defenders unable to cope.

🅷Isak’s fourth-minute effort was chalked off for offside before firing against the post, though at least the second attempt was finished off by Murphy.

On both occasions, Isak made the Arsenal defence look very average, leading to some Gunners fans making a particular claim about William Saliba.

READ MORE: 🦂Stan Kroenke to blame as Arsenal privately bank £75m but fail to sign world-class striker

Arsenal fans say Alexander Isak is William Saliba’s weakness

♍Arsenal fans took to X to claim that Saliba’s one weakness is indeed Isak, deeming the Newcastle man his “kryptonite”.

💙One fan wrote: “It’s mad how our most natural finisher is 17 years old, we have found out Saliba’s kryptonite is Isak, he’s run him ragged everytime I’ve seen him play against him.”

♚Another said: “Isak is Saliba Kryptonite. That alone should make us sign him.”

⛎The comparisons between Saliba and Isak kept coming, with one fan saying: “Isak is the only striker I’ve seen bully Saliba & Gabriel in a game, and this unfortunately isn’t the first time.

꧟“If we refuse to pay up in the summer then we’re asking to not win the league or UCL.”

💜Another said: “Isak singlehandedly cooking Gabriel and Saliba.”

꧟Another wrote: “Isak makes Saliba, Gabriel and Van Dijk look shaky. He’s by far the best striker in the world.”

How Isak and Saliba fared in League Cup semi-final second leg

ꦑLooking at Isak’s stats from the game, it would seem at first glance as though he didn’t have the best of nights. After all, he didn’t score and, technically speaking, didn’t get an assist.

ﷺHowever, the stats don’t tell the full story. Isak was in full flow as he constantly harassed the Gunners defence, so much so that they looked terrified of him at times.

✱On another night, Isak could have had a brace. On this night, one goal was ruled out for offside and another effort struck the post, though it set up Murphy for his opener.

𒁏Meanwhile, Saliba – normally such a quality and reliable player – struggled to cope against Isak and his fellow attacking stars.

🔜Saliba was caught out time and time again, struggling to deal with Isak and Gordon’s speed.

🃏He earned a booking in the first half as he was put under pressure due to Gordon’s speed.

ඣSaliba then gifted Gordon a chance to score an open goal in the second half, though the winger missed.

🐭Alan Shearer let Ian Wright know during the game how Isak gave Saliba and Gabriel a hard time.