Mikel Arteta bemoaned Arsenal’s wastefulness in the first leg of their 2-0 Carabao Cup semi-final defeat by Newcastle and suggested the ball used in the competition was a contributing factor.
Arsenal missed a number of chances at the Emirates Stadium as goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon put Newcastle in control ahead of next month’s second leg.
The Gunners took 23 shots at a 3.09 Expected Goals Value, but managed just three on target. Gabriel Martinelli hit the post in the first half and Kai Havertz missed their best chance in the second period when he headed awkwardly wide from close range.
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Highlights of Arsenal vs Newcastle United Carabao Cup semi-final first leg:
A number of other chances went over the crossbar and Arteta referred to the differences between the ball used in the competition, which is made by Puma, compared to the ball used in the Premier League, which is manufactured by Nike, in his press conference.
Asked what he can do to help his players improve their finishing, he said: “Nothing, just try to show them and give advice on what we can do better.
“I think we hit a lot of balls over the bar and it’s hard that this ball flies a lot. We discussed that as well, so there are details we can do better.”
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Kai Havertz misses a glorious chance to score
“It’s just different to the Premier League ball and you have to adapt to it because it flies differently,” Arteta added. “It’s just different from the ball. You have to adapt to it.
“But at the end of the day, there’s no going back. It’s about the next game, and that’s our world, the reality of our world.”
Arsenal had no such problems in previous rounds of the competition, scoring a total of 11 goals against Bolton, Preston and Crystal Palace while using the same ball.
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Gabriel Martinelli hits the post
Against Newcastle, however, their stubborn play was in stark contrast to Newcastle’s relentlessness, with their two goals coming from just seven shots.
Arteta added: “If you look at the results of both teams and the possession of the game, it’s obvious that the result does not reflect the story of the game, but the reality is that they were very efficient with the chances they had and we were. were not
Arsenal failed to score from 23 shots
“There are things we could have done better. You need some luck to get the ball rolling. And if not, we’re going to have to create more.
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Jurrien Timber goes in from close range
“That’s what we can do, then we’re more likely to win. But certainly against this team, to produce what we’ve produced, looking back at the last six games I’ve watched, I’m not But the result says zero-two, unfortunately.”
Arsenal travel to St James’ Park on Wednesday February 5 with a mountain to climb, but Arteta believes his side can turn the game around.
“We have to be disappointed because it’s another result we wanted, but that’s the reality,” he added. “I’ve seen my team play against them. I believe we can do it.”
