Mikel Arteta beileves it will be very difficult for Arsenal to sign players who can affect their first team in the January transfer window. The Gunners have been consistently linked with a move for Newcastle United's Alexander Isak, although the Magpies are highly unlikely to sell their prize asset.

Newcastle took a massive step towards a second Carabao Cup final in three seasons with a hugely impressive semi-final first leg away win

The Telegraph’s claim that Mikel Arteta blamed the Carabao Cup ball for Arsenal’s defeat to Newcastle lacks nuance, oversimplifying his analysis of missed chances, but is anyone surprised?Arteta

Mikel Arteta reacts to Arsenal's 2-0 loss to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup semifinal first leg.

Mikel Arteta made headlines when blaming the match ball when Arsenal lost 2-0 at home to Newcastle United. As always, the Gunners boss looking for excuses when his team lose, rather than graciously accepting the defeat.

League Cup organisers have poked fun at Mikel Arteta after the Arsenal manager suggested the "tricky" match ball played a part in his side's defeat by Newcastle.Arteta is under pressure to deliver his second trophy as Arsenal manager,

Tuesday's 2-0 loss to Newcastle United in the first leg of Arsenal's semifinal tie in the Carabao Cup was the latest example of the struggles manager Mikel Arteta is having to deal with personnel-wise.

Mikel Arteta has come under fire for his comments regarding the ball in Arsenal's 2-0 loss to Newcastle - and the EFL have now had their say.