"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.

Arsenal's FA Cup third round match against defending champions Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday will be played with a special edition match ball made by Mitre

The English Football League (EFL) has defended the ball used in the League Cup after Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said it "flies differently" from those used in the Premier League.

Premier League title hopefuls Arsenal welcome northern opposition to the capital tonight as Mikel Arteta's Gunners play host to Eddie Howe's Newcastle United. An in-form Magpies outfit will no doubt be fancying their chances at the Emirates against an Arsenal side stripped of star man Bukayo Saka as well as a number of injury issues across the first team.

Here are the live streaming, timings, venue and predicted XIs for the upcoming Arsenal Vs Newcastle United, EFL Cup semi-final 1st leg

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have enjoyed a sparkling season across competitions, yet their Carabao Cup campaign encountered turbulence in a frustrating 2-0 defeat to Newcastle in the semi-final first leg.

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,

Newcastle United have taken control of the EFL Cup semi-final fixture against Arsenal as high-flying Alexander Isak inspired a 2-0 victory in the first-leg at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal put pressure on the visiting Newcastle but failed to convert their chances from set-pieces.

Having just seen his side lose at home for the first time this season, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta remained in defiant mood.