In an exciting but tense atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal faced a tough challenge against Newcastle United in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final on January 7, 2025. Despite dominating the game in many aspects, the Gunners ended up on the losing side, suffering a 2-0 defeat against the Magpies. Many fans were left wondering how such a talented squad could struggle with finishing, particularly when they managed to take a staggering 23 shots throughout the match, yet only three were on target.
Newcastle’s Efficient Attack
Newcastle made the most of their opportunities, with Alexander Isak opening the scoring in the 37th minute. Shortly after the second half began, Anthony Gordon doubled their lead, further tightening Newcastle’s grip on the game. The effective duo of Isak and Gordon was instrumental in Newcastle’s success, showcasing a sharp contrast to Arsenal’s wasted chances. Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli came agonizingly close to leveling the score but saw his shot hit the post just before half-time.
Arteta’s Frustration Over Finishing
After the match, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his disappointment with both the result and the team’s poor finishing. He highlighted a potential factor that he believed affected his players: the Puma match ball used during the game. Arteta mentioned that the ball seemed to fly differently compared to those used in the Premier League, causing confusion among the players and leading to their struggles in converting chances to goals.
Statement from the EFL
The English Football League (EFL) quickly defended the ball’s quality, asserting that it met all FIFA standards. This argument, however, seemed less convincing to many Arsenal fans who witnessed their team’s lack of precision. As Arteta pointed out, his side has scored 11 goals in previous Carabao Cup matches using the same ball, leaving many baffled as to why they failed to shine against Newcastle.
Looking Ahead: The Second Leg
As fans left the stadium pondering what went wrong, the focus shifted to the upcoming second leg, scheduled for February 5th at St. James’ Park. With a two-goal deficit to overcome, Arsenal faces a monumental task to turn the tie around. Historically, teams that hold a two-goal advantage after the first leg in Carabao Cup semi-finals often advance to the final, putting additional pressure on Arteta and his squad.
An Emotional Night for Dubravka
Adding to the intrigue of the night, Newcastle’s goalkeeper Martin Dubravka appeared emotional after the match. Reports suggest he has reached an agreement to leave the club and join Al Shabab, a team in Saudi Arabia. Dubravka, who has served Newcastle since 2018, may be saying goodbye after a strong performance where he was a crucial figure in keeping a clean sheet against Arsenal.
Final Thoughts
As Newcastle celebrates their impressive victory, Arsenal must regroup quickly, as they prepare for a challenging second leg that will test their resolve and skill. Both teams showed moments of brilliance but ultimately highlighted the crucial moments where opportunities can define the outcome of high-stakes matches. For now, fans of both squads will be anxious and excited for what’s to come as this gripping championship journey unfolds.