Mikel Arteta points finger at Arsenal star despite being 'better team' in Newcastle defeat
Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon goals ensured Newcastle came away victorious against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium and Mikel Arteta was left frustrated with one player in particular
by Scott Trotter · The MirrorMikel Arteta highlighted Gabriel Martinelli's first-half opportunity as a wasted chance - with his Arsenal side suffering defeat in their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.
The Gunners fell 2-0 to a determined Newcastle side in their first-leg clash. Goals from Arsenal target Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon secured the Magpies' first victory at the Emirates since 2010.
Eddie Howe's side recorded their seventh win on the bounce to put one foot in the final, with Arsenal to make the trip to St James' Park next month. The north London side had opportunities to come away with a better result as Martinelli hit the post, while Kai Havertz later saw the ball hit his shoulder as he aimed a header from close range.
The Brazilian winger burst through the visitors' backline to earn himself a one-on-one against Martin Dubravka with the scores level. Martinelli chose to shoot to the near post rather than across the shot-stopper and sent the ball crashing into the woodwork.
Arteta identified that moment as Arsenal's best chance, as he lamented his team's misses. The Spanish coach believed his side were better in every area but their finishing.
"That was the biggest difference [being clinical] in the game. In every other aspect, we were the better team," he said.
"They scored two goals and credit to them as they managed to win the game like this. When we missed the chances and conceded the goal it is always 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-v-one chance with the keeper and in the semi-final you have to be clinical."
Newcastle boss Howe was more than happy to sing the praise of star striker Isak and goalkeeper Dubravka, in what is likely is final Newcastle appearance before moving Al-Shabab in the Saudi Pro League. The Toon Army coach was mightily impressed with his forward's performance beyond the goal
"First half he was electric, I thought he played really well," said Howe. "He scored but I just thought his general game was in a really good place.
"He was feeling his hamstring a bit at half-time so we had to manage him in the second half and that was a big blow to our performance.
"I think we rode our luck at times and I think Martin [Dubravka] played really well and made some really good saves. I thought the set plays in the main we got the small details right. Our mentality to defend our goal with the blocked shots, the heroic pieces of defending that we saw in the last 20 to 30 minutes, it's great for us for the future."
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