How Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon led Newcastle past Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg

Arsenal suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat at home to Newcastle in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final, leaving Mikel Arteta and his team with an uphill battle in the return fixture. The Gunners dominated large parts of the game, creating 23 shots and generating 3.09 expected goals (xG), but their inability to capitalize on these opportunities ultimately proved costly. Newcastle, in contrast, were ruthlessly efficient, scoring twice from just seven attempts, courtesy of goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon.

The wastefulness in front of goal was a source of frustration for Arteta, who highlighted his team’s profligacy during his post-match press conference. Despite crafting numerous opportunities, Arsenal managed to hit the target only three times. Among their most glaring misses was Gabriel Martinelli's shot that hit the post in the first half and Kai Havertz’s uncharacteristic miss in the second, where he sent a free header wide from close range. Several other efforts flew harmlessly over the crossbar, leaving the home fans exasperated and Arteta searching for answers.

One factor Arteta pointed to was the difference in the ball used in the Carabao Cup, manufactured by Puma, compared to the Nike ball used in the Premier League. While the same ball had been used in previous rounds of the competition, where Arsenal had scored 11 goals across ties with Bolton, Preston, and Crystal Palace, the manager suggested its unique characteristics may have influenced the team’s finishing. “We kicked a lot of the balls over the bar, and it’s tricky that this ball flies a lot,” he explained. “We discussed that as well, so there are details that we can do better.”

Pressed further on the subject, Arteta elaborated on the challenges posed by the Puma ball. “It’s just different; it’s very different to the Premier League ball,” he noted. “You have to adapt to that because it flies differently. When you touch it, the grip is very different as well.” While acknowledging the ball’s quirks, Arteta was quick to emphasize that the responsibility lay with the players to adjust. “In the end, that’s gone. There is no way back. It’s about the next game, and that’s our world, the reality of our world,” he added, underscoring the need to focus on the future.

The match itself painted a stark picture of Arsenal’s inefficiency compared to Newcastle’s clinical edge. While the Gunners dominated possession and spent much of the game in the opposition half, their failure to convert chances into goals meant their efforts went unrewarded. Newcastle, on the other hand, capitalized on their limited opportunities with precision, demonstrating the kind of ruthlessness that Arteta lamented his side lacked. “If you look at what both teams produced and the domination of the game, obviously it’s not the result that reflects the story of the game,” Arteta said. “But the reality is that they were super efficient with the chances they had, and we weren’t.”

Arsenal’s struggles in this match were particularly frustrating given their recent form in the competition. In earlier rounds, the team had shown an ability to score freely and decisively, but against Newcastle, the story was entirely different. Arteta acknowledged the need for a combination of skill, intuition, and even a bit of luck to turn chances into goals. “You need a certain luck for the ball to bounce there. You need that intuition as well,” he said. “And if not, we’re going to have to generate more.”

The defeat leaves Arsenal with a daunting task in the second leg at St James’ Park, one of the most intimidating venues in English football. The Magpies’ passionate home crowd is sure to create a hostile atmosphere, adding to the challenge of overturning the two-goal deficit. Nevertheless, Arteta remains optimistic about his team’s chances. “That’s the thing that we can do; then the probability will be higher for us to win,” he said. “But certainly, against this team, to produce what we have produced, looking back at the last six games that I watched, I haven’t seen it. But the result says zero-two, unfortunately.”

Despite the setback, Arteta expressed unwavering belief in his players’ ability to mount a comeback. “We have to be disappointed as it’s another result that we wanted, but that’s the reality,” he said. “I have full belief. I have seen my team playing against them—I believe we can do it.” His confidence is rooted in the quality and determination of his squad, as well as the knowledge that football often delivers the unexpected.

To achieve the improbable, Arsenal will need to be at their best in every aspect of the game. Their attack must be sharper and more clinical, while the defense must be resolute and focused to avoid conceding an away goal that could effectively seal their fate. Players like Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, and Bukayo Saka will need to step up and deliver the kind of performances that have made them pivotal to Arsenal’s success in recent years.

Arteta’s preparation for the second leg will undoubtedly involve a thorough analysis of the first-leg shortcomings and an emphasis on fine-tuning the team’s approach. The manager’s tactical acumen will be critical in devising a strategy to break down Newcastle’s defense while minimizing risks at the back. The players, meanwhile, must embrace the challenge with the belief that they can achieve something extraordinary.

The fans, too, will play a vital role. Arsenal’s loyal supporters have always been a source of inspiration for the team, and their unwavering encouragement will be crucial as the Gunners aim to defy the odds. Whether at St James’ Park or watching from afar, their belief and passion will serve as a reminder of what is possible when a team fights together.

As the clock ticks down to February 5, the sense of anticipation grows. The match is more than just a game; it’s a test of character, resilience, and belief. For Arsenal, it’s an opportunity to show the world that setbacks are not the end but rather the beginning of something greater. With Arteta at the helm and a squad determined to prove themselves, the stage is set for a potentially historic night in the Carabao Cup.