Newcastle United are going to Wembley after taking care of Southampton over two legs.
The Magpies were already 1-0 up thanks to Joelinton's strike in the first leg but the tie got even better from a Newcastle point of view when Sean Longstaff fired home after just five minutes. Things got even better on 21 minutes when Longstaff finished a team move to double the advantage on the night.
DEADLINE DAY LIVE: Transfer latest from the January transfer window deadline day
But there was a dose of reality when Che Adams reduced arrears on 30 minutes at the Leazes End.
Here's how the players rated on the night overall:
Nick Pope 8
Breaking news, Pope concedes a goal but there wasn't a lot he could have done about Adams' scorcher. Made an important stop to deny Armstrong after the break and held his nerve.
Kieran Trippier 8
Pulverised Southampton down the right-hand side to the point that Walker-Peters came off. Great assist for the vital opener.
Fabian Schar 8
A strong show as Southampton piled on the pressure.
Sven Botman 8
Unflappable again.
Dan Burn 8
A strong presence on the left-hand side. Whacked it clear when he needed.
Sean Longstaff 10
Has put Newcastle in such a strong position. Has been playing very well without getting the goals but that can't be said tonight. It wasn't just his goals, there were interceptions and tackles galore too. Didn't put a foot wrong.
Bruno Guimaraes 7
Tenacious in midfield and the man responsible for starting move that led to opener. Red card horror but it came in a bid to send Newcastle to the final.
Joe Willock 8
A superb piece of play to slip in Almiron for the second. Made a mistake for the Saints goal but still gave it everything. Replaced for last half hour.
Joelinton 8
A massive display as he tackled well. And had a hand in the second all important goal.
Miguel Almiron 8
Back in the assists with a great delivery for Longstaff. Got through some defensive tracking too. Taken off after an hour.
Callum Wilson 7
Just one shot and the wait for a goal goes on. Work-rate and effort there for all to see.
Subs
Jacob Murphy 6 (for Willock 60)
Just four touches before coming off.
Allan Saint-Maximin 6 (for Almiron 60)
Not much impact.
Alexander Isak 7 (for Wilson 60)
Took a few serious blows for the cause.
Jamaal Lascelles (for Isak 90)
Elliot Anderson (for Murphy 90)
*Subs must play 15 minutes to get a mark.
Here's how the players rated in the first half:
Nick Pope 7
Breaking news, Pope concedes a goal but there wasn't a lot he could have done about Adams' scorcher.
Kieran Trippier 8
Pulverised Southampton down the right-hand side to the point that Walker-Peters came off. Great assist for the vital opener.
Fabian Schar 7
Patrolling the back four well.
Sven Botman 7
Steady stuff from the Dutch ace.
Dan Burn 7
A strong presence on the left-hand side.
Sean Longstaff 10
Has put Newcastle in such a strong position. Has been playing very well without getting the goals but that can't be said tonight. Outstanding.
Bruno Guimaraes 8
Tenacious in midfield and the man responsible for starting move that led to opener.
Joe Willock 8
A superb piece of play to slip in Almiron for the second. Made a mistake for the Saints goal.
Joelinton 7
A strong display on the left and big hand in second goal.
Miguel Almiron 8
Back in the assists with a great delivery for Longstaff.
Callum Wilson 7
Nothing has dropped for him yet.
READ NEXT
- Newcastle sign Harrison Ashby after West Ham fail with improved contract offer
- Howe thinks Gordon will have 'useful' start to Newcastle career from sidelines
- Eddie Howe confirms his 'ideal' Newcastle transfer situation for future windows
- Eddie Howe excited to work with Anthony Gordon
- Kieran Trippier reveals aims after signing extended Newcastle United deal
