Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has called on his players to make better decisions following their 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final on Tuesday night.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Arteta reflected on the loss, which saw goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon in either half give Newcastle a solid advantage ahead of the second leg in February.
The Gunners created opportunities to score but failed to capitalize, with Kai Havertz notably missing a close-range header.
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Arteta said:
*”The biggest difference in the game was being clinical. In every other aspect, we were the better team.
“They scored two goals, and credit to them for finding a way to win. When we missed our chances and conceded, it made things tough, but the team reacted well.
“We created a lot of opportunities, but they defended their box very well. We need to improve our decision-making.
“In a semi-final, you must be clinical, especially when you have a one-on-one with the keeper.”*
Looking ahead to the second leg, Arteta expressed confidence in his squad:
*”We’re disappointed because this isn’t the result we wanted, but that’s the reality.
“I have full belief in my team. I’ve seen how we’ve played against them, and I know we can turn this around.”*