Mikel Arteta has appeared to blame Arsenal’s hectic schedule for their loss to Newcastle United last night, claiming his players were tired. At the start of this season, the Gunners were competing for four trophies and have only just been eliminated from all domestic cup competitions.

Within a few minutes of kick-off, Alexander Isak delivered a devastating demonstration of why Mikel Arteta wants him so much. The Carabao Cup semi-final second leg between Arsenal and Newcastle United was not four minutes old when Isak span off the back of Arsenal’s centre-halves,

Mikel Arteta confessed it was ‘clear’ the level of influence Alexander Isak had on Newcastle’s dominant Carabao Cup win over Arsenal. Protecting a two-goal lead from the first leg, Eddie Howe’s men went for the jugular at St James’ Park and put the Gunners to the sword ruthlessly.