Mikel Arteta’s bizarre excuse for Arsenal EFL Cup defeat to Newcastle – it’s absurd 

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Arsenal suffered a nightmare EFL Cup semi-final first-leg defeat to Newcastle United, falling short at the Emirates. 

The Gunners now have to march to St James’ Park with two goals to overturn, which is a cup final in itself for Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal fans discussed the possibility of Arteta being sacked, telling of just how bad the result was on Tuesday night.

It’s not over for the North Londoners, but it’s certainly not looking bright, as Newcastle took advantage of Arsenal’s lack of potency to win the first leg comfortably.

• READ MORE: New role for two players and an unconventional tactic – Five things you missed in Arsenal defeat vs Newcastle

Mikel Arteta takes aim at EFL Cup ball in reaction to Arsenal defeat

Over 90 minutes, it was Arsenal who had the chance to score however, it was the Gunners who left the pitch with no goals to show for their efforts.

After the game, Arteta sent a transfer message regarding Alexander Isak’s form, as the Swedish forward had a match-winning influence on proceedings.

While it’s abundantly clear to all that Arsenal need to sign an attacker promptly, the boss raised another reason the contest was so difficult for his squad. 

Bizarrely, in his post-match press conference, the Arsenal manager informed the media of one thing his side had to adapt to, with a change in the ball a stumbling block.

“It’s very different to the Premier League ball,” Arteta said assertively.

“You have to adapt to that because it flies differently, when you touch it the grip is very different as well.”

It is questionable to raise the differences in the ball between the EFL Cup and the Premier League, as the Arsenal squad displayed far greater problems that should concern Arteta. 

Arsenal’s failures against Newcastle made clear

The ball was one of the topics that Arteta chose to discuss although, what was being spoken about between fans was the clear frailties within the squad.

Several Arsenal players performed below par against Newcastle, particularly the forwards, who were unable to make a breakthrough despite being given the opportunity to do so.

The numbers only reinforce just how poor the Gunners are right now going forward, something that must be solved swiftly if Arteta is to get anything out of the 2024/25 campaign.

Creating chances doesn’t win games, and most importantly, doesn’t win silverware, something Arsenal must put right before the end of the month if things are to change.