The Gunners have not had luck on their side, but manager Mikel Arteta says they are in better position than last season

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

Mikel Arteta has done a fine job since taking over at Arsenal in December 2019, but he’s come out with some bizarre excuses in that time. Being a Premier League manager is undoubtedly one of the most stressful jobs going and sometimes that becomes apparent during post-match interviews.

Arteta regularly eulogises over Anfield and St James’ Park, the ‘jungles’ and ‘washing machine’-like atmospheres he revels in. He has spoken of wanting to write the first chapters of defining nights at the Emirates, but the fever that had been building the past two years has faded this season and Tuesday saw some fans leave early.

Over the years, Arsenal fans have witnessed some impressive performances by strikers wearing the No14 shirt - but this was one they will want to forget in a hurry. Alexander Isak tormented Arsenal as Newcastle ran out 2-0 winners on Tuesday night to put themselves in a commanding position going into the second leg of this Carabao Cup semi-final next month.

The latest Arsenal transfer news with Alexander Isak once again showing Mikel Arteta his quality in another win for Newcastle over the Gunners.