By Martin Graham | eighth Jan 2025
Arsenal supervisor Mikel Arteta stays optimistic about his workforce’s possibilities of reaching the Carabao Cup last, regardless of a difficult 2-0 loss to Newcastle United within the first leg of their semi-final. The defeat, marked by targets from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon, highlighted Arsenal’s incapability to transform their dominance into targets, an issue Arteta attributed, partly, to the distinctive traits of the competitors’s ball.
Missed alternatives and a “tough” ball
The Gunners fired 23 pictures through the match however managed to hit the goal solely 3 times. Notable missed alternatives included Gabriel Martinelli putting the put up and Kai Havertz misfiring from shut vary. Addressing these misses in his post-match convention, Arteta expressed frustration however refused to criticize his gamers’ efforts, as a substitute pointing to the ball’s conduct as an element.
“We kicked a variety of balls over the bar, and these balls fly lots – it’s tough,” he mentioned. “There are particulars we are able to enhance, however there’s no method again now. We now have to give attention to the following recreation.”
Arteta elaborated on the variations between the Puma-manufactured ball used within the Carabao Cup and the Nike ball used within the Premier League. “It’s very completely different,” he defined. “The grip and the way it flies – it’s one thing you must adapt to.”
Arsenal’s sturdy EFL Cup marketing campaign
Regardless of the Newcastle setback, Arsenal’s earlier performances on this season’s Carabao Cup recommend they’ll adapt when wanted. The Gunners racked up 11 targets throughout three matches, defeating Bolton Wanderers 5-1, Preston North Finish 3-0, and Crystal Palace 3-2.
Curiously, Arsenal’s capturing accuracy within the EFL Cup has been similar to their efforts within the Premier League and Champions League. Earlier than Tuesday’s recreation, 53% of their 51 pictures within the competitors have been on the right track, a determine practically equivalent to their Premier League accuracy of 52%. Within the Champions League, the place Adidas produces the ball, their accuracy reached 58%.
Arteta stays resolute as his workforce prepares for the second leg. “It’s simply half-time,” he mentioned. “I’ve full perception we are able to go on the market and switch it round in opposition to an excellent workforce.”
Subsequent steps for the Gunners
With the deficit looming massive, Arsenal might want to refine their ending and adapt additional to the ball’s distinctive traits. Arteta’s perception in his squad’s high quality and resilience might show pivotal as they goal for a comeback within the second leg to safe a spot within the last.
Martin Graham is an MFF sports activities author
