Brazilian mystery man Joelinton score the only goal of the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at St. Mary’s Stadium to give Newcastle the upper hand in a frantic clash of two Premier League sides. The strong forward-cum-midfielder continued to excite and bemuse his fanbase in equal measure. Although he scored tonight, he was also guilty of an inexplicable miss and a disallowed first-half goal.Ideally, you’d be discussing great goals and inspiring players when reporting on a football match. But not all those games are like that. And let it be clear that it doesn’t make them any less worth talking about.Two big incidents marked the first half of the first leg in this Carabao Cup semi-final matchup. Joelinton slammed the ball into the empty net following a ricochet in the six-yard box. Still, the goal was disallowed because the former Hoffenheim forward had handled the ball. However, despite VAR being used, the decision stood even though the video evidence seemed inconclusive.Can we just take a second to appreciate how incredible Isak is.He’s not got a last minute winner and a late assist in his last 3 appearances……whilst looking like he’s playing with rockets in his boots.One of the fastest players in the modern game, surely?? 🚀#NUFC— 𝗠𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝘆𝗻𝗲 #NUFC (@ToonMouthTyne) January 24, 2023 On the other end, one of scarce Saints’ attacks ended with Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope sprinting out of his penalty area and producing a diving header to clear the danger. In the process, Pope climbed over Moussa Djenepo and knocked him out. The Malian international had to leave the pitch as he appeared as if he’d just woken up. The hit wasn’t a gentle one! Former Newcastle youngster Adam Armstrong replaced the Malian and was determined to upset his boyhood club and their numerous travelling fans.On the pitch, Eddie Howe’s men, currently third in the Premier League, demonstrated the same virtues and flaws they’ve been displaying recently. Despite being solid at the back and full of ideas in attack, their finishing often let them down. Joelinton, Miguel Almiron and Sean Longstaff kept turning promising positions into disappointing efforts.Joelinton was particularly frustrating, as he missed the best chance any played could ever get. Ten minutes into the second half, Almiron got away from Mohammed Salisu and drilled the ball across the box. Everyone missed it, and it reached Joelinton, who managed to blast it over the bar when it was easier to score than miss.Joelinton is drunk. pic.twitter.com/BeXnl2wdD2— Barstool Football (@StoolFootball) January 24, 2023 The Magpies’ apparent inability to make their chances count gave the hosts an incentive to push forward themselves. Kyle Walker-Peters, captain James Ward-Prowse and young Argentinean midfielder Carlos Alcaraz were starting to build some pressure.Substitute Che Adams had two great opportunities for Southampton in the space of just five minutes, but Pope showed once again that he’s currently one of the best goalies in England.Newcastle’s substitutes Allan Saint-Maximin and Alexander Isak combined well to shake up Nathan Jones’ defenders again – and the Eritrean lad Isak did great to create another unmissable chance for Joelinton. This time, not even he could miss!Armstrong scored a scrappy goal to level just a couple of minutes later, but VAR detected yet another handball and the home fans’ celebrations were cut short abruptly.The game turned sour in the end as Saints’ defender Duje Caleta-Car got his marching orders after receiving two bookings, while his centre-back partner Lyanco clashed multiple times with compatriot Bruno Guimaraes and Saint-Maximin.Nothing is decided just yet – these teams will play another 90 minutes — or perhaps 120 — at St. James’ Park next Tuesday.In another semi-final, Nottingham Forest host Manchester United on Wednesday night.CARABAO CUPSemi-final – First legTuesdaySouthampton – Newcastle United 0-1 (0-0)/Joelinton 73/Wednesday23:00 Nottingham Forest – Manchester United***odds are subject to change
