Four things we learned from the Carabao Cup semi-finals | OneFootball

Four things we learned from the Carabao Cup semi-finals, featuring Mikel Arteta’s excuses and a bright future at Tottenham.

Arteta excuses don’t mask Arsenal issues

Mikel Arteta bizarrely blamed Arsenal’s wastefulness against Newcastle on the Carabao Cup ball. Arsenal lost 2-0 at home to Newcastle in the first leg of their semi-final, despite creating an xG of 3.09. Just three of the home side’s 23 shots were on target, with the Gunners guilty of spurning several clear-cut chances.

Arteta’s excuses, however, do not mask Arsenal’s problems. The failure to sign a recognised centre-forward in the summer could haunt the North Londoners this season. Having seemed ready for the next step in terms of winning big trophies, Arsenal find themselves with a large gap to bridge in the title race and on the verge of a Carabao Cup semi-final exit.

For all their set-piece plaudits, Arsenal rank eighth in the Premier League for open-play goals scored, behind Brentford and Fulham. This week’s different ball had no impact on miscues and poor decisions from Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli.

Alexander Isak, who struck the opener and has scored 10 times in his last nine games for Newcastle, is a clear example of the difference a reliable number nine can make.

Magpies are flying in search of elusive silverware

After a mixed start to the campaign, Newcastle have found their form in recent weeks. Eddie Howe’s side have notched up seven straight wins in all competitions, claiming the scalps of Aston Villa, Manchester United, Tottenham and Arsenal in their last four.

The Magpies are flying with Alexander Isak in red-hot form, while Anthony Gordon has burst into life in recent weeks. Add in a formidable midfield trio of hustle and athleticism and Newcastle have become difficult to play against once again.

Newcastle’s wait for a major trophy is well-documented and it’s approaching 70 years since their 1955 FA Cup success. Howe has hero status within his grasp if Newcastle can get over the line. On current form, the Magpies will fear no side.

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The future is bright at Tottenham

Ange Postecoglou beamed with pride at full-time after Spurs beat Liverpool 1-0 to claim a first-leg lead. Less than a month after a humbling home defeat to the same opposition, Spurs dug deep amid their defensive absentees to claim a first-leg lead and a clean sheet. It was the sort of dogged performance that has not often been associated with Postecoglou’s side of late.

A silver lining amid the club’s injury crisis has been the minutes afforded to a crop of talent that point towards a bright future. 18-year-old Archie Gray was again impressive in an auxiliary centre-back role, while 21-year-old goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky – signed from Slavia Prague just days ago – was solid in goal on debut.

The shining light, however, was Lucas Bergvall. Though fortunate to escape a second booking, the Swede’s winning goal was a deserved moment for a display full of vigour and quality. The 18-year-old was everywhere for Spurs, as he became the club’s youngest League Cup goalscorer since Gareth Bale.

Bergvall, Gray and Kinsky are just three players among a talented group at Tottenham. With Pape Sarr (22), Micky van de Ven (23), Mikey Moore (17), and Destiny Udogie (22) all set to mature alongside that trio, Spurs have the foundation for a successful future.

Are Liverpool looking leggy?

Liverpool’s first defeat since September is no need for panic but has this result been coming for the Reds? The game followed a flat performance against Manchester United at the weekend, while Arne Slot’s side has not looked quite the same force, consistently at least, since beating Manchester City on December 1st.

The likes of Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch and Mohamed Salah have played almost every minute of the club’s campaign to date and perhaps need an opportunity to rest ahead of a second half of a campaign that promises much.

This weekend, fourth-tier Accrington Stanley arrive at Anfield in the FA Cup third round. Though there are certainties in cup competition, the clash represents a chance for Slot to hand his key men a much-needed break.

Getting minutes into Harvey Elliot, Darwin Nunez, Conor Bradley and Federico Chiesa should also be prioritised as Liverpool seek improved support over the run-in.

Read – Van Dijk issues Liverpool rallying cry with semi-final only ‘half-time’

See more – Proud Postecoglou ’emotional’ after Liverpool win

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