Mikel Arteta offers an explanation for Arsenal's poor finishing in the Carabao Cup semi-final defeat to Newcastle.

It was a first leg of the Carabao Cup semifinal for Arsenal to forget as Alexander Isak's goal and assist powered Newcastle United to a 2-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium, but while Mikel Arteta gave Newcastle credit for their performance,

Arsenal legend Ian Wright believes Mikel Arteta "needs help" with January signings after Newcastle United beat the Gunners on Tuesday.

Mikel Arteta suggested the Carabao Cup match ball played a role in Arsenal's 2-0 semi-final defeat to Newcastle - despite the fact both teams used the same ball

Arsenal: Mikel Arteta blames the ball for damaging Newcastle defeat in Carabao Cup - The Gunners again failed to find the back of the net

Mikel Arteta said Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat by Newcastle in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final did not reflect his team’s performance as he hinted the ball used for the game at the Emirates Stadium hindered his players.

Mikel Arteta dug deep into his books of excuses after his goal-shy Arsenal side slumped to a 2-0 defeat in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle. After Saturday’s costly draw at Brighton,

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has seemingly blamed the match ball for his side's 2-0 defeat to Newcastle in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final. The Gunners boss pointed to the difference between the Puma ball used in the Carabao Cup and the Nike ball used in Premier League matches after his side were beaten on home soil by Eddie Howe's

Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta said playing with a Puma soccer ball and not the Nike ball used in the Premier League took some adjustment.

Mikel Arteta lamented Arsenal’s inefficiency in front of goal compared to Newcastle and Alexander Isak, but backed his players to turn around the 2-0 Carabao Cup deficit – so long as they adapt to the “tricky” ball being used in the competition.