New Injury Concern for Arteta: Arsenal Star Forced Off in Defeat to Newcastle
Arsenal endured a tough night against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup, with Mikel Arteta facing a new setback as Gabriel Martinelli was forced off with an injury.
Newcastle Dominated from the Start
On Wednesday night, Arsenal travelled to St. James’ Park for the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final, hoping to overturn a 2-0 deficit from the first leg at the Emirates.
Mikel Arteta fielded the same starting XI that featured in both the previous defeat against Newcastle and the emphatic win over Manchester City. However, Newcastle quickly asserted dominance, and Alexander Isak thought he had given the hosts an early lead, only for VAR to rule the goal out for offside.
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Despite the setback, Newcastle struck first. In the 19th minute, Isak smashed a shot against the post, and the rebound fell kindly to Jacob Murphy, who tapped the ball into the net. That goal put Newcastle 3-0 ahead on aggregate, leaving Arsenal with a mountain to climb.
Gabriel Martinelli Injured
Arsenal tried to push forward, but midway through the first half, Arteta was dealt another blow. Gabriel Martinelli was forced off after 37 minutes, though he was able to walk off the pitch unaided. Youngster Ethan Nwaneri replaced him, one of the last attacking options left on Arteta’s bench.
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Newcastle Seal Their Spot in the Final
Just minutes into the second half, Anthony Gordon punished a poor defensive error from Arsenal, doubling Newcastle’s lead on the night. With that, Eddie Howe’s side had one foot in the final at Wembley.
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The match gradually lost intensity as Newcastle comfortably controlled proceedings. Late in the game, Callum Wilson made his long-awaited return from injury, having featured in only four Premier League matches this season.
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Newcastle saw out a 2-0 victory, securing a 4-0 aggregate win and booking their place in the Carabao Cup final. They will now face the winner of tomorrow’s semi-final clash between Liverpool and Tottenham.
