Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has insisted his side are preparing to go “full gas” against Newcastle United in their Carabao Cup semi-final despite a “disappointing” end to the January transfer window.
The Gunners head into the second leg of the tie facing a two-goal deficit but will not be buoyed by any fresh faces, after the window shut without a new signing being made at the Emirates.
Sky Sports News reported a bid was rejected for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, following injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka which left Kai Havertz as the lone option up front, while there was also interest in Mathys Tel, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha.
“We had a clear intention. The window is open to explore the opportunity to improve the squad with players who can do that. We haven’t achieved it,” Arteta said in his press conference ahead of the Newcastle game, live on Sky Sports.
“We are disappointed in that sense but we are very aware we want to bring in a certain kind of player, we have to be very disciplined in that. I think that we were.”
Arteta’s side are bidding to overturn a two-goal deficit against Newcastle
Arteta: We are going to have to try something different
As previously noted, Havertz now remains Arsenal’s lone option in the forward areas but Arteta has not ruled out being creative to solve the selection issues, as he looks at other players in the squad who could operate in the role.
He added: “We are going to be have to be flexible in the front line. Those who are fit, we need to make sure they stay fit.
Ethan Nwaneri celebrates after scoring Arsenal’s second goal against Girona in the Champions League
“Leo [Trossard], Ethan [Nwaneri], [Gabriel] Martinelli, Raheem [Sterling] can play in that position. Let’s see in relation to how everybody is, moment and opponent.
“But, at some point, we’re going to have to try something different.”
Wednesday 5th February 7:00pm
Kick off 8:00pm
Arsenal ready to go ‘full gas’ vs Newcastle
Arsenal’s shortcomings within the forward area were laid bare during the first meeting between these two sides as they lost 2-0 at the Emirates in January.
The Gunners’ sporadic approach in front of goal failed them with only three of their 23 shots on target, while Alexander Isak showcased his clinical edge by lashing home the opener just before the break.
Despite the Magpies now being in control of the tie after Anthony Gordon added a second, Arteta is confident his side can overturn the deficit by going “full gas” on the evening.
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Highlights from the Premier League clash between Arsenal and Manchester City
He said: “When you compare the emotional state of the team, the manner of the defeat and how it happened, it’s different now.
“We have had some great wins, especially the last one against Man City. After this game we have a break, it’s full gas. We will approach it the best way to be in that final.
“They are difficult games. We beat them at home quite convincingly last season but the two games this season have been very different.”
Howe frustrated by Newcastle window
Arteta is not the only manager to have been left frustrated by the transfer window.
Howe has only been able to spend around £45m on incomings since the start of this season, with one of those, Lloyd Kelly, already leaving the club for financial reasons to join Juventus.
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Eddie Howe believes his squad is still high in quality despite not signing anyone and says the Carabao Cup second-leg against Arsenal is a unique opportunity to reach a final
Kelly’s £20m sale to the Serie A giants means the club have recouped around £100m of sales across the season – but have been left with little depth.
“Was I frustrated yesterday (Monday)? No,” Howe said. “That was a long time in the making, the window ended how we expected it to.
“Different emotions for me, overall there’s an element of frustration that we haven’t taken the squad forward in a positive way, that’s everyone’s aim and ambition.
“But not yesterday on the day. It’s more of an overall feeling, we’re keen to take the team forward and progress but we haven’t been able to do that in this window.”
Watch Newcastle vs Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-final, live on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event, from 7pm on Wednesday.
