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Arsenal’s hopes of making it to the Carabao Cup final took a severe hit after their defeat to Newcastle in the first leg
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Arsenal created opportunities but were unable to score, and Mikel Arteta attributed their lack of success to the ball used in the Carabao Cup.
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Critics dinged the Gunners manager, and the Carabao Cup tackled Arteta with a slashing meme
Newcastle’s strong performance continued with a 2-0 victory over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-final at the Emirates Stadium.
Alexander Isak was poised to score a goal, giving his team a strong lead to take into the second leg of the match.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta blamed his team’s inefficient shooting for their loss.
How Newcastle United’s Win Against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on 30th January 2023 Came About
Both teams entered the match well-prepared, but Newcastle dominated the competition scoring a significant victory in the initial match.
Strike specialist Alexander Isak scored the opening goal in the 37th minute off a long free-kick, marking his 10th goal in nine games.
He played a crucial part in Newcastle’s second goal, scored by Anthony Gordon. Swapping the ball with Jacob Murphy, he released a strong shot that David Raya deflected in Gordon’s direction.
Arsenal laid a siege to Newcastle’s goal with 23 shot attempts. However, they failed to convert their chances.
It was Newcastle’s first away win at Arsenal since 2010, as indicated by Sky Sports. They will face Arsenal again next month in the return leg at St James’ Park.
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Arteta provided a peculiar explanation for his team’s failure to capitalize on their opportunities. Gabriel Martinelli hit the post in the first half, while Kai Havertz missed a clear chance in the second half.
Arsenal lined up several shots over the crossbar, and Arteta expressed concern about the ball.
“We kicked a lot of balls over the bar and it’s challenging to deal with the ball that gets a lot of air. We’ve discussed this already, so there are areas where we can improve,” he stated to Sky Sports.
He noted that the ball used in this game is distinct from the one used in the Premier League.
It’s just unique, it’s remarkably different from the Premier League ball, and you have to adjust to that because it flies differently. When you come into contact with it, the texture of the grip is also remarkably different, so you have to adjust to that.
The match between Arsenal and Newcastle is expected to be highly intense, as neither team has claimed a major title in a while.
The Carabao Cup takes issue with Arteta.
The Carabao Cup X account responded to Arteta’s comments with a sarcastic post. They shared a well-known meme of rapper 50 Cent.
The Carabao Cup questioned Arteta about what was so special about their ball that it contributed to their loss to Newcastle, who managed to score using the same ball.
Arteta was criticized for blaming the Carabao Cup ball.
@Rob_Ezekiel:
An apologetic FC. Such an embarrassment. Can never accept that they were outplayed by a superior team.
@iam_chaisson:
No regrets! Both teams use the same ball. You’ve made it to the semifinals with the same ball, so why all the complaints?
@derv_ed:
The ball is not to blame, Mikel. Newcastle managed to score with the same ball, suggesting that external factors aren’t the issue. Instead, we should consider the team’s performance and finishing abilities.
Arsenal fans blast referee
Earlier it was reported that Arsenal fans criticized the referee for giving Brighton a disputed penalty in their 1-1 tie.
Anthony Taylor awarded the Seagulls a penalty, but supporters felt the Premier League favored their team against them.
