Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta has reportedly admitted his side lacked a clinical edge as his hopes of winning the club’s first silverware since 2020 were dipped by a 2-0 home defeat against Newcastle United in first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final at the Emirates Stadium.
Alexander Isak’s opening goal after 37 minutes set the Magpies on their way to victory before Anthony Gordon netted Newcastle’s second after 57 minutes to give Eddie Howe’s team a big advantage going into the second leg.
Arteta is under pressure to win trophies after coming up short in the Premier League and cup competitions since he led Arsenal to FA Cup success in his first season at the club and he confessed his side failed to make the most of their chances against Newcastle.
According to the Irish Independent, when asked if being clinical was the biggest flaw in his side’s performance, he stated: “That was the biggest difference. In the game. In every other aspect, we were the better team.
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“They scored two goals and credit to them as they managed to win the game like this. When we missed the chances and conceded the goal it is always tough, but the team reacted.
“We generated a lot of situations, but it is true, they defended the box very well. We can do better with our decisions.
“Had a one-v-one chance with the keeper and in the semi-final you have to be clinical.£
“We have to be disappointed, but that’s the reality. I have full belief. I have seen my team playing against them – I believe we can do it.”
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