Arsenal struggled to convert any of their 23 attempts on goal, while Newcastle took the lead in the 37th minute through Alexander Isak. ..Continue Reading
Anthony Gordon then doubled their advantage in the 51st minute, putting Newcastle in a strong position for the second leg at St James’ Park next month.
Arteta, 42, later suggested that the ball might have played a role in his team’s struggles in front of goal.
“We kicked a lot of balls over the bar, and it’s tricky that these balls fly a lot so there’s details that we can do better,” said Arteta in his post-match press conference.
“It’s just different,” he added when asked to elaborate on his comments regarding the ball.
“It’s very different to a Premier League ball, and you have to adapt to that because it flies different.”
Now, footage emerged appearing to show the Arsenal manager checking his watch while Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka took his time on goal kicks.
And supporters were quick to give their thoughts on social media.
One fan said: “Arteta timing Dubravka’s goal kicks when his team has 9 yellow cards for time wasting this season.”
Another added: “Lost the plot as all the pressure mounting with each game further away from a trophy.”
A third said: “He was fighting back the tears in the sky post match interview yesterday because he knew there were no excuses he could use. To then go to the official post match presser and complain about the ball is just hilarious. The man is a 2nd rate coach.”
While a fourth commented: “Bro is in his time keeping phase.”
A fifth explained: “What goes around comes around.”
Arsenal’s next challenge is against Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United in the FA Cup third round at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
After drawing with Brighton last Saturday and losing to Newcastle on Tuesday, Arteta will be eager for his team to get back to winning ways.
