Newcastle 2-1 Southampton (Agg: 3-1): Sean Longstaff scores twice as Eddie Howe’s side reach League Cup final

Newcastle reached their first League Cup final since 1976 as Sean Longstaff’s brace secured a 2-1 semi-final second-leg win over Southampton, and 3-1 victory on aggregate.

Eddie Howe’s side started in the best possible manner, with hometown hero Longstaff putting them ahead after just five minutes.

Kieran Trippier slipped in Longstaff who was able to smash his effort low and hard past Gavin Bazunu.

The hosts continued to pour forward in search of a second goal and after 21 minutes they had exactly that. Joelinton and Joe Willock combined brilliantly on the left-hand side before Miguel Almiron was able to fire a cross into a dangerous area and Longstaff was once again on hand to smash home his second of the match.

Southampton looked shell shocked, with Newcastle playing the ball around at an electric tempo, but in the 29th minute Nathan Jones’ side had one back against the run of play, Che Adams capitalised on a loose pass at the back before rifling home a brilliant effort from distance.

Southampton came out much better in the second half, dominating possession in the first 15 minutes of the second period but without creating too much in the way of clear-cut opportunities.

Adam Armstrong spurned a huge chance to equalise on the night 20 minutes from time, Romeo Lavia played a delightful through ball into Armstrong who tried to lift it over Nick Pope and saw his effort saved.

Newcastle talisman Bruno Guimaraes was shown a straight red card 10 minutes from time for an awful tackle on Samuel Edozie.

Southampton continued to push late into the game but to no avail as Newcastle booked their place in the League Cup final against either Manchester United or Nottingham Forest.

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