Arteta insists wasteful Arsenal were the better team against Newcastle

Mikel Arteta insisted Arsenal were the better team in their EFL Cup semi-final first-leg defeat to Newcastle United, lamenting their failure to take their chances.

Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon scored either side of the interval as Newcastle seized a 2-0 lead in the last-four tie, ahead of the second leg taking place on 5 February.

Both before Isak's opener and after Gordon doubled Newcastle's advantage, Arsenal missed a host of presentable opportunities.

Gabriel Martinelli struck the post when clean through on goal at 0-0, while Kai Havertz missed a glaring headed chance from six yards out in the second half.

Arsenal ended the game having accumulated 23 shots worth 3.09 expected goals (xG), while Newcastle attempted seven worth 1.22 xG. However, the Gunners only hit the target three times compared to Newcastle's four.

Only once have Arsenal had more shots without scoring in a match under Arteta, firing off 30 without success in a Premier League defeat to West Ham in December 2023.

Asked if his main gripe was with Arsenal's wastefulness, Arteta told Sky Sports: "That was the biggest difference in the game. 

"In every other aspect, we were the better team. They scored two goals and credit to them as they managed to win the game like this.

"When we missed those chances and conceded the goal it was always going to be 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. We had a one-versus-one chance with the goalkeeper and in the semi-final you have to be clinical."

Isak's goal came after a deep Newcastle free-kick made its way to Jacob Murphy, whose flick-on found the Swede for a powerful close-range finish. The pair have now combined for seven goals in all competitions this season, more than any other Premier League duo.

"I have seen the goal and it is something they do – they create the chaos, and it gets to the wrong player and Isak puts it away," Arteta said.

"We have to be disappointed as it's another result that we wanted, but that's the reality. I have full belief. I have seen my team playing against them – I believe we can do it."

Newcastle spent long periods of the second half defending their penalty area, and centre-back Dan Burn was left in awe of their rearguard action.

"We're very proud, it was always going to be like that in the second half. To a man, everyone defended brilliantly," Burn told Sky Sports.

"To get a result here you need to defend set-pieces, but I thought everyone was brilliant. We had a sticky patch, but we have had a few clean sheets in a row.

"Seeing the way we defended in the second half was brilliant. It's only a job half done – they have nothing to lose coming to St James' Park."