Arsenal‍‍`s title hopes went out the window

Arsenal’s journey in the League Cup took a major setback last night as they were defeated 2-0 by Newcastle in the first leg of the semi-finals. 

This was a painful loss for Mikel Arteta’s side, especially after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Newcastle in the Premier League last November. 

Arsenal lost at the Emirates Stadium even though they were at home and were seeking revenge.

Arsenal now has a challenging task as the second leg is scheduled for February 5 at St. James‍‍` Park. 

They must win by a minimum of two goals or by a lower margin in order to remain in the competition.

If they lose, Newcastle will have advanced to the final for the second year in a row.

This loss makes Arsenal even more frustrated that they haven‍‍`t been able to win any significant trophies in recent years. 

Since taking over as manager in December 2019, Arteta has made significant investments in the team. 

Arsenal has acquired 34 players since his appointment, spending €791.8 million (more than 10,000 crore Bangladeshi Taka) on 28 of them. 

The squad has only won one FA Cup (2019–20) and got two Community Shield triumphs (2020 and 2023) in this time frame, despite of these significant signings.

Even though they have played one additional game, Arsenal is currently six points behind Liverpool in the Premier League, in second place. 

With the Champions League group stages still in progress and Arsenal up against elite teams like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Manchester City, and Liverpool, their hopes of winning the league title are fading.

A trophy which many considered Arsenal could win, the League Cup now seems like a distant dream for Arsenal after last night’s loss.

Despite taking 23 shots and controlling 70% of the ball, Arsenal‍‍`s attempts lacked finishing touch.

Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz both came close, but luck wasn’t on their side. 

Martinelli’s shot hit the post, and both Jurrien Timber and William Saliba failed to convert clear chances. 

Havertz also saw his header go over the bar.

Newcastle, however, took advantage of their limited chances. In the 23rd minute, Alexander Isak gave them the lead, and in the 51st minute, Anthony Gordon doubled it. 

These two goals were enough to give Newcastle the victory.

After the match, Arteta explained that the ball might have played a role in Arsenal‍‍`s struggles, saying it floated more in the air, making it difficult for his players to control.

“We had many shots that went over the bar. The ball was hard to play with tonight. It floated a lot more in the air, and we’ll need to adapt for the next match,” Arteta commented.

Arteta also pointed out that the ball used in the League Cup is different from the one used in the Premier League. 

“It’s a bit different. The ball we use in the Premier League isn’t the same as this one. This one floats more in the air, and it’s something we have to adjust to,” he explained.

Despite the loss, Arteta remains optimistic for the return leg, saying the tie is not over yet. 

“This is just halftime,” he said confidently. “I have full confidence that we will be in the final.”