"Excuses mean you cannot grow or move forward." Mikel Arteta learned many lessons from his former mentor but seems to have disregarded that particular pearl of wisdom. Arsenal's increasingly beleaguered boss blamed the "tricky" ball used in the Carabao Cup after his side's wayward performance in a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United on Tuesday.

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 host Newcastle United in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semifinals at the Emirates Stadium.