At 10-man, Joelinton helps Newcastle win the first leg of the semi-final match. Southampton

If you don’t succeed right away. Possibly even on the second try. The Newcastle forward Joelinton had what appeared to be one of those evenings after having a goal disallowed in the first half for handball and then moving closer to the season’s worst mistake at the start of the second.

The ball sat up for the advancing Joelinton within the six-yard box following a double deflection caused by the quicksilver Miguel Almirón’s cross, with the goal open. He could have been excused for wanting to be far away, like back in Newcastle, when he lifted his arms aloft.

Joelinton resisted running away. He persisted in pushing. Joelinton then made a second run after substitute Alexander Isak quickly escaped from Duje Caleta-Car. Newcastle was in control of this Carabao Cup semi-final first leg as he truly could not miss from close range. This put Newcastle one step closer to their first cup final since 1999 and, furthermore, their first trophy since the 1969 Fairs Cup.

Eddie Howe might acknowledge Isak’s contribution because of his quickness, skill, and deft movement on the right, but there were many more stars wearing the jersey of Newcastle, starting with Almirón. Bruno Guimares followed closely following. From midfield, he continually tapped the ball.

Once in front, it would have taken audacity to bet against Newcastle, the Premier League team with by far the worst defensive record. Nick Pope, their goalkeeper, had nine straight shutouts coming into the contest. He last allowed a goal in this league victory, a 4-1 victory, on November 6.

Southampton, the lowest-placed club in the Premier League, resisted giving up. Just after the hour mark, they announced the game’s first goal, with the substitute Ché Adams missing a one-on-one opportunity with Pope before the goalkeeper made a superb stop.

When James Ward-Prowse crossed the ball and one of the substitutes, Samuel Edozie, returned it from the far post to another, Adam Armstrong, Southampton felt they had equalized. The intended finish was tripped up, but the ball bounced off Dan Burn and struck Armstrong before going in. It was so filthy that it was difficult to know how it got there in the moment. The VAR then noticed how, by using a hand. The celebrations in Southampton were stopped.

For at least one evening, Nathan Jones was keen to put Southampton’s league struggles behind him. Nobody had prayed for his squad against Manchester City in the first round of this competition, and look what transpired. The boss may be pleased with Carlos Alcaraz’s performance in midfield, who is making his complete debut. On this data, the £12.3 million transfer from Racing Club seemed like a steal.

But in the end, frustration would set in because Southampton would feel like they fell short in the majority of crucial areas. Caleta-Car received a warning for a late challenge on Almirón in the 29th minute, and he would later be dismissed after receiving two for lunging at Allan Saint-Maximin, a substitute for Newcastle. At St James’ Park the following week, Southampton will start the second leg as overwhelming underdogs.

Joelinton is mentally very strong, as evidenced by his experience at Newcastle, according to Howe. He is really resilient. He is unfazed in both good and bad circumstances. He was available when we needed him.

The amount that the Newcastle supporters had calculated was 644 miles, or the distance to go round-trip from their city, which would take them approximately 11 hours. It was never going to prevent them from progressing to their first semi-final since they lost to Manchester United in the FA Cup in 2005. Since 2017, Southampton had reached four cup semifinals.

Due to their club record 15-match Premier League unbeaten streak, Newcastle possessed the pre-game momentum, and they were the superior team in the first half. Southampton’s pressing was ineffective, some of their passing was sloppily executed, and they were exposed to Newcastle’s rapid transitions.

There were a few disagreements, the first following Joelinton’s goal in the 39th minute when Joe Willock fired high twice. Gavin Bazunu had to parry when Willock cut in close, and Callum Wilson was then stopped by a challenge from Mohammed Salisu before Joelinton snatched the rebound. Stuart Attwell, the referee, blew for a quite severe handball committed against Joelinton.

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In the second, Pope cleared Moussa Djenepo out of the way before taking down the Southampton winger, who had to be replaced due to what appeared to be a concussion. Pope had to leave his area to do this. Pope seems careless, and he was lucky to avoid at least a booking. It was by no means a good challenge, according to Jones.

Southampton was unable to handle the speed and directness of Almirón. He attempted to cross three times at the start of the second half, but Southampton was spared each time, most notably when Joelinton had his uncomfortable moment. Sean Longstaff’s stroke was also high, and Sven Botman’s attempt, which Bazunu once more parried, was unsuccessful.

Back came Southampton, and Pope’s initial stop of Adams, who had been set free by Alcaraz’s wonderful pass, proved to be the game-changer. Adams fired a shot from close range after spinning. In the first half, Alcaraz came close to surprising Pope with a long-range shot.

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Jones proclaimed that Nick was without a doubt the league’s top goalie. Although his feet may not be the most stylish, he excels as a goalie. We occasionally engage in foolish defense, which results in missed opportunities, and this frustrates me. What’s missing are the critical edges.