Mikel Arteta acknowledged that Alexander Isak’s impact was undeniable as Newcastle overpowered Arsenal in the Carabao Cup.
Holding a two-goal advantage from the first leg, Eddie Howe’s team showed no mercy at St James’ Park, delivering a clinical performance.
Isak, who had already troubled Arsenal earlier in the season, thought he’d struck in the fourth minute with a fierce finish, only for VAR to rule him offside by the slimmest margin.
The Swedish striker continued his onslaught, rattling the post after skillfully bypassing William Saliba.
His frustration was short-lived, though, as Jacob Murphy slotted in the rebound. Isak remained a constant threat, keeping Saliba on edge throughout the game, before exiting to a standing ovation in the 87th minute.
Arsenal have long admired the 25-year-old, viewing him as a potential solution to their attacking woes. However, whether they will revive their pursuit in the summer remains uncertain. Arteta, unwilling to discuss speculation, simply stated:
“I’m not here to evaluate opposition players, but it’s clear he had two big chances—and you saw what happened.”
With Arsenal also eliminated from the FA Cup, Arteta now has an opportunity to take his squad to Dubai for a warm-weather training camp.
Last year, a similar midseason trip was credited with revitalizing their title challenge, and he hopes for a repeat effect with major trophies still in play.
Asked if the packed fixture schedule contributed to Arsenal’s underwhelming display, Arteta avoided excuses:
“I wouldn’t like to say that, especially after a loss. Physically, yes, we were tired. We’ve played so many games, one every three days, and we knew this would be an intense battle.
Emotionally, it was different—we needed to stay in it until the very end, but the game slipped away from us.”
He admitted the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow but urged his players to reset:
“We had high expectations, but now there’s nothing we can change. What mattered was what happened on the pitch. This one will sting, but in Dubai, we recharge and go again. There’s still a lot to fight for.”