Toothless Gunners Exit Carabao Cup With a Whimper
Arsenal‘s chronic lack of cutting edge came back to haunt them as they suffered a humiliating 2-0 defeat at St James’ Park, sealing a 4-0 aggregate loss to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup semi-finals. The Baji sports desk analyzes how Eddie Howe’s tactical masterclass exposed Mikel Arteta’s side as alarmingly “toothless” in attack – a criticism famously voiced by Gary Neville during the match commentary.
Statistical Breakdown Reveals Arsenal’s Attacking Deficiencies
The numbers paint a damning picture:
- Just 0.94 xG (expected goals) created despite needing to win by two clear goals
- Only 3 shots on target across 180 minutes of semi-final action
- 13 consecutive cup competitions exited since Arteta’s 2020 FA Cup win
Former Arsenal star Paul Merson told Baji: “This wasn’t a one-off – Newcastle destroyed Arsenal over two legs. When your attacking players don’t turn up in big moments, you get what we saw tonight.”
Isak’s Brilliance Highlights Arsenal’s Striker Problem
While Arsenal‘s forwards floundered, Newcastle’s Alexander Isak delivered a clinic in center-forward play:
- Had a goal controversially ruled out before assisting the opener
- Completed 4 successful dribbles (most on pitch)
- Won 5 aerial duels against Saliba-Gabriel pairing
Isak’s all-action display showed exactly what Arsenal lack in their frontline
Tactical Analysis: Where It Went Wrong for Arteta
Midfield Misfires
- Havertz completed just 37.5% of final third passes
- Odegaard’s big chance miss proved pivotal
- No creativity from wide areas without Saka
Defensive Fragility
- Saliba-Gabriel partnership unusually vulnerable
- 2 goals conceded from set pieces
- Lack of composure in “chaotic moments” (Arteta’s words)
Arteta cut a frustrated figure as his tactical plans unraveled at St James’ Park
Expert Verdict: Summer Rebuild Needed
Baji pundits agree Arsenal must address their attacking shortcomings:
- Jamie Redknapp: “Who in this Arsenal team genuinely scares defenders?”
- David Ornstein: “The Isak ship has sailed – they need to identify new targets”
- Lewis Jones: “Havertz was completely nullified – not good enough for a title-chasing side”
Looking Ahead: No Time for Panic
While the defeat stings, perspective is needed:
- Still 2nd in Premier League
- Champions League last 16 approaching
- January signings may have disrupted squad harmony
As Merson noted on Baji: “This result hurts, but Arsenal are still lightyears ahead of where they were before Arteta. The foundations are there – now they need that clinical finisher to take them to the next level.”
The Dubai training camp comes at a perfect time for Arteta to regroup his squad. With the Premier League title race heating up, Arsenal’s response to this setback will define their season. One thing is certain – their attacking deficiencies can no longer be ignored.
