Mikel Arteta conceded Newcastle United were “more efficient” than his Arsenal side, following their EFL Cup semi-final defeat.
The Gunners were beaten 4-0 on aggregate by the inspired Magpies, who won 2-0 on Wednesday and progressed to their second final of this competition in three seasons.
Trailing 2-0 from the first leg, Arsenal made a purposeful start at St James’ Park with Martin Odegaard striking their best opportunity against the post.
However, Newcastle gave themselves breathing space in the tie within 60 seconds, as Jacob Murphy was on target, while Anthony Gordon put the tie beyond Arteta’s side after the break.
The visitors recorded just three shots on target across the 90 minutes, with an xG of only 0.94 compared to their opponents’ 1.71, and Arteta acknowledged his players needed to produce more.
“We had so many expectations, obviously, to believe that we could turn it around,” the Spaniard said.
“We had momentum in the first half and didn’t capitalise. They scored immediately after [Odegaard hit the post] and the momentum shifts. We needed a goal early in the second half, and we didn’t get that, and the opportunity passed.
“We didn’t generate enough situations, establish ourselves in the final third enough. The game started to get away from us.
Our Carabao Cup campaign comes to an end. pic.twitter.com/OoCWL2YS7h
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 5, 2025
“They have been more efficient than us in the boxes, and that is the difference in the tie. You need to be, on the day, very efficient; that is what takes you close to winning trophies, and today we weren’t.
“When you get to the semi-final and not the final, very much [an opportunity missed].
“We need to swallow this one, it is a tough one. We had a lot of expectations. We knew the difficulty of the task because of the result we brought from London. but there is nothing we can do right now.
“What we could do was on the pitch a few minutes ago, now we have to look forward. First of all, I think this is going to be a painful one. While we are in Dubai, recharge and go again because we still have a lot to play [for].”
Newcastle’s second goal saw David Raya play the ball out to Declan Rice, who was robbed of possession on the edge of the area by Fabian Schar, before Gordon calmly slotted home.
“The errors are part of football,” Arteta added. “We’ve been super consistent, we’ve been really composed. Today, we gave them hope just by putting the ball long into our last line.
“When we did that, we always looked vulnerable because we allowed them to run from this situation, and they are really a dangerous team when they are able to do that.”
Arsenal also suffered an injury blow, with Gabriel Martinelli sustaining what appeared to be a hamstring issue.
“He felt something, I think it was his hamstring and he wasn’t comfortable to continue so we’ll have to do an MRI scan tomorrow to see the extent of the injury,” explained Arteta.
