Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has attributed his team’s 2-0 loss to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup semi-final to poor decision-making and a lack of clinical finishing.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Arteta acknowledged that his team was the better side in most aspects of the game but failed to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon scored for Newcastle in either half, giving the Magpies a significant advantage ahead of the second leg in February.
Arsenal’s Kai Havertz missed a crucial header from a few yards out.”That was the biggest difference [being clinical] in the game,” Arteta said.
“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.”
Arteta praised his team’s reaction after conceding but emphasized the need for improvement in their decision-making.
“We can do better with our decisions. We had a one-v-one chance with the keeper and in the semi-final, you have to be clinical.”
Despite the setback, Arteta expressed confidence in his team’s ability to turn the tie around in the second leg.
“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.”
