Arsenal: Same old problems for Mikel Arteta's "toothless" Gunners as hunt for trophies goes on
Arsenal exited a cup competition for the 13th time since winning the 2020 FA Cup with defeat at St James' Park; Gunners failed to score in the two legs of the semi-final; Gary Neville labelled them "toothless" and they need to address issues in the summer market
Thursday 6 February 2025 14:09, UK
Arsenal's lack of cutting edge was on show once again as they exited the Carabao Cup with a whimper as Gary Neville called them "toothless" in attack.
Newcastle reached the Carabao Cup final after a 2-0 semi-final second-leg win over Arsenal contributed to a 4-0 aggregate victory.
The Gunners - who have been criticised for not signing a forward in the January transfer window - created just 0.94 worth of expected goals in a game where they needed to win by two or more goals to keep their domestic trophy hopes alive this season having already been eliminated from the FA Cup.
Arsenal's only major trophy under Mikel Arteta remains the 2020 FA Cup. They have been eliminated from the subsequent 13 cup competitions they have entered, not including this year's Champions League, and have yet to reach another final under the Spaniard.
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The usually dominant pairing of Gabriel and William Saliba were unable to contain Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, who already had a goal ruled out when his shot cannoned off the post and allowed Jacob Murphy to open the scoring.
Neville, on co-commentary duty for Sky Sports, said the performance of Isak highlighted just how tame Arsenal are in forward areas in comparison.
He said: "This has shown a massive spotlight on the toothlessness of Arsenal's forward players compared to what we're seeing at the other end of the pitch."
When asked if they have to strengthen in the summer, he said: "That's a given. They have to.
"I was supportive of them not panicking in the window, finding the player they want, I get that.
"But when the bid went in for Ollie Watkins, they are sending a message to the rest of the squad, the ones up front aren't good enough... this game confirms it."
Arteta: To win trophies you need to be effective in boxes
Mikel Arteta speaking in his press conference:
"We had so many expectations to turn this around but we didn't get any momentum despite having some big moments in the first half. We didn't capitalize and the next action they scored. The game then shifted. We then needed to stay cool to score a goal but we didn't manage to do that. Then in the second half we struggled as the game went by and the game went away from us.
"When you want to win trophies you need to be effective in the boxes. We have played two games against them and haven't [been effective]. Overall that was the main difference. Today we were a little unsettled when the game became more chaotic we are normally more composed but we lacked a bit of that.
"We knew that would be a high intensity and emotionally it was a different game to believe we could get there. And before we expected the game got away from us.
"We need to swallow this one - it's a tough one. We had a lot of expectation. There is nothing we can do now - we had to do it on the pitch. Now we have to look forward. It's a painful one. We have to recharge in Dubai as we have a lot to play for.
"Errors are part of football but we are usually super consistent and composed but today we gave them hope. We allowed them to run and we were vulnerable - they are a dangerous team when they could do that."
Merson: Newcastle destroyed Arsenal - but no pressure on Arteta
Sky Sports' Paul Merson:
"You've got to give full credit to Newcastle. I thought Newcastle were outstanding, but you're talking about two legs here. This is not a one-off game where Newcastle can get lucky or someone gets sent off or there's a big, big mistake.
"This was over two legs and they destroyed Arsenal, really. 4-0 on aggregate. Arsenal didn't turn up. I know they go and win it 4-0, but if Odegaard scores with his right foot, it's a different game. Then 30 seconds later, they go up the other end, but that's football.
"Arsenal have got to stay more consistent. The Man City game was outstanding, but you come to Newcastle, it's going to be a hard game. They don't do well at St James' Park. They haven't done well for a while.
"And I think people are underestimating Newcastle. I thought Arsenal might win the game by the odd goal, but I did fancy Newcastle would go through.
"But I thought they were a bit disrespected, Newcastle. I think people were thinking, Arsenal come up here, score, and then they'll go and steamroll them - they've lost to Bournemouth, they've lost to Fulham at home. But that wasn't the case. And plus, you get that extra man with the fans.
"I don't think there's pressure on Arteta. They've been steady in the league. They're second. The worst thing is they could finish second. They might win it still, but they'll finish second at least. They finished second the last two years.
"It's easy to look at it now and go - oh, second, second, second, maybe again this season. But in the last 10, 15 years before that, Arsenal never looked like winning the league. They're back in it. We can't forget that.
"But because they won 5-1 against Man City, I think it's covered over the cracks of this result a bit. They'll say they're concentrating on the league and this isn't really the big trophy we want.
"But there's not many trophies you can win. And this was a big opportunity, especially over two legs. I thought they ruined it after the first leg. But over two legs, they should be beating Newcastle."
Analysis: Havertz pocketed by Newcastle defenders
Sky Sports' Lewis Jones:
This was a night to celebrate Newcastle but you can't ignore just how bad Arsenal were in attack. Toothless. Oh so toothless.
Kai Havertz offered little with his hold-up and was crowded out. He registered just one shot in the game, created no chances and his passing accuracy in the final third of 37.5 per cent emphasied just how the Newcastle backline had him in their pocket. Meanwhile, the wide players were given no space to work any magic in. Again the home team deserved credit for that but this wasn't the first time this season Arsenal lacked guile and inspiration from open play.
With the set piece nullified by Newcastle's defensive organisation, Arsenal offered no serious goal threat for large parts - as their expected goals tally of 0.94 suggests. It was tame. And there weren't many options for Arteta to unleash from his bench.
It was the same old story.
Redknapp: Which Arsenal players can hurt you?
Sky Sports' Jamie Redknapp:
"It can show you how football can change: one minute you're beating Manchester City and then you get completely humbled by Newcastle. Over the two games Newcastle were the better side, they were tactically better and bit more astute and streetwise. Arsenal couldn't cope with them. It was a masterclass from Eddie Howe.
"Apart from the big chance from Odegaard, who else was going to do something? Who was going to open the door or create the magic? What they lack is pace to run in behind without Bukayo Saka. If you are playing against Arsenal now you are happy to let them have it to feet as they won't run in behind. They lack a lot of pace."
