Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed frustration following his side’s 2-0 defeat to Newcastle in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners squandered several opportunities as goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon gave the visitors the upper hand.
Arsenal registered 23 shots with an expected goals (xG) value of 3.09 but managed just three on target.
Key moments included Gabriel Martinelli hitting the post in the first half and Kai Havertz missing a free header in the second.
Arteta lamented these missed opportunities but also pointed to the Puma ball used in the competition as a factor affecting their finishing.
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Mikel Arteta Highlights Challenges with Ball Differences
During his post-match press conference, Mikel Arteta noted the difficulties posed by adapting to the Carabao Cup ball, which differs from the Nike ball used in the Premier League.
“We kicked a lot of the balls over the bar, and this ball flies a lot,” he said. “The grip and the way it moves are very different, and you have to adapt to that.”
Mikel Arteta on the Carabao Cup ball: “It's very different to the Premier League ball”. pic.twitter.com/L2LLhgN9zQ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 8, 2025
Despite these concerns, Arteta acknowledged that improving their finishing would ultimately depend on providing his players with better guidance and preparation.
Newcastle Take Command of the Tie
While Arsenal struggled to capitalize on their chances, Newcastle were clinical in front of goal.
The result leaves Arsenal with an uphill battle in the second leg, needing a significant turnaround to secure a place in the Carabao Cup final.
Arteta’s remarks have drawn attention to the impact of external factors like equipment, but the focus will now shift to finding solutions ahead of next month’s crucial clash.
