Having just seen his side lose at home for the first time this season, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta remained in defiant mood.
Asked about his team’s chances of overturning a 2-0 home loss to Newcastle in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final, the Spaniard said he had “full belief” Arsenal could turn the tie around and still get to Wembley.
“We have to be disappointed as it’s another result that we wanted, but that’s the reality,” he added. “I have seen my team playing against them – I believe we can do it.”
Alexander Isak, a player that has long been heralded as the sort of striker Arsenal desperately needed, was the difference between the sides, scoring the first, making the second for Anthony Gordon and giving Gabriel and William Saliba a torrid time.
But Arteta would have been left frustrated that the Gunners had not gained a better result before the second leg at St James’ Park on 5 February.
Gabriel Martinelli shot against the post, Kai Havertz misjudged a header from six yards when the ball bounced off his shoulder and Jurrien Timber and Saliba had chances from excellent inswinging corners.
Arsenal have seven matches in all competitions before they can focus on the second leg, but in the back of their minds they know they will need a special performance in the north east next month if they are to fight back and get to Wembley.
