By Seyi Babalola
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has stated that his players must make better decisions.
Arteta spoke to Sky Sports after losing 2-0 to Newcastle United in Tuesday night’s first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.
Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon scored in each half to give the Magpies a comfortable advantage heading into the second leg in February.
The Gunners missed a couple of chances to score, with Kai Havertz the biggest culprit, missing a header from a few yards out.
Arteta said: “That was the biggest difference [being clinical] in the game. In every other aspect, we were the better team.
“They scored two goals and credit to them as they managed to win the game like this.
“When we missed the chances and conceded the goal, it was always tough, but the team reacted.
“We generated a lot of situations, but it is true, they defended the box very well.
“We can do better with our decisions.
“We had a one-v-one chance with the keeper and in the semi-final you have to be clinical.”
On the second leg, Arteta said: “We have to be disappointed as it’s another result that we wanted, but that’s the reality.
“I have full belief. I have seen my team playing against them – I believe we can do it.”