Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has admitted Tuesday night’s fixture showed him exactly what his side is missing after a host of missed chances in the loss to Newcastle United.

The Gunners went into the League Cup semi-final on the back of strong criticism from fans after a lacklustre display against Brighton saw them settle for a 1-1 draw and remain well behind in the Premier League title race.

Arsenal produced relatively more urgency at the Emirates stadium on Tuesday night than they did last weekend, but the outcome remained just as frustrating as they were beaten 2-0 in the first leg of the League Cup tie.

A host of missed chances from players like Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz were punished dearly by a ruthless show from Newcastle’s forwards.

Following another goalscoring show from Alexander Isak, Mikel Arteta admitted that the Swedish striker has the ‘real quality’ that his side has been often criticized for lacking.

Ironically, it was Isak, the man often linked with an Arsenal switch, who made the difference, scoring one and playing a huge part in the other goal, as the Magpies taught the Gunners a lesson on how to finish their chances infront of goal.

After the final whistle, Arteta was full of praise for Isak, whom he believes made the most out of the few chances presented to him.

“I don’t think he [Isak] created or had any big chances, but he was involved in both goals unfortunately with the two times that he had the ball in the box.” the Arsenal boss said

“That’s what you have – the real quality up front and they can make a difference. They’re very clinical.”

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