Arsenal’s lack of cutting edge was on show once again as they exited the Carabao Cup with a whimper as Gary Neville called them “toothless” in attack.
Newcastle reached the Carabao Cup final after a 2-0 semi-final second-leg win over Arsenal contributed to a 4-0 aggregate victory.
The Gunners – who have been criticised for not signing a forward in the January transfer window – created just 0.94 worth of expected goals in a game where they needed to win by two or more goals to keep their domestic trophy hopes alive this season having already been eliminated from the FA Cup.
Arsenal’s only major trophy under Mikel Arteta remains the 2020 FA Cup. They have been eliminated from the subsequent 13 cup competitions they have entered, not including this year’s Champions League, and have yet to reach another final under the Spaniard.
The usually dominant pairing of Gabriel and William Saliba were unable to contain Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, who already had a goal ruled out when his shot cannoned off the post and allowed Jacob Murphy to open the scoring.
Neville, on co-commentary duty for Sky Sports, said the performance of Isak highlighted just how tame Arsenal are in forward areas in comparison.
He said: “This has shown a massive spotlight on the toothlessness of Arsenal’s forward players compared to what we’re seeing at the other end of the pitch.”
When asked if they have to strengthen in the summer, he said: “That’s a given. They have to.
“I was supportive of them not panicking in the window, finding the player they want, I get that.
“But when the bid went in for Ollie Watkins, they are sending a message to the rest of the squad, the ones up front aren’t good enough… this game confirms it.” (SkySports)