Mikel Arteta has suggested Arsenal's failure to adapt to the Carabao Cup ball was a factor in Tuesday's 2-0 semifinal, first leg defeat to Newcastle United.

Arsenal host Newcastle United in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semifinals at the Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta lamented Arsenal’s inefficiency in front of goal compared to Newcastle and Alexander Isak, but backed his players to turn around the 2-0 Carabao Cup deficit – so long as they adapt to the “tricky” ball being used in the competition.

Mikel Arteta still believes Arsenal can reach the Carabao Cup final - but says they must first master the "tricky" football used in the competition.

Craig Burley explains why Arsenal still has a fighting chance in the Carabao Cup, despite their 2-0 loss to Newcastle in the first leg.

Mikel Arteta claimed the Carabao Cup match ball played a part in Arsenal’s defeat to Newcastle, saying the visitors adapted better to its flight and movement.Arsenal were made to pay for several

The Gunners have home advantage in this first-leg clash with the Magpies at the Emirates Stadium, with both teams in good form.

Mikel Arteta believes his Arsenal players failing to adapt to the different ball used in the Carabao Cup contributed to them missing a hatful of chances in their defeat by Newcastle. The Gunners were beaten 2-0 in the first leg of their semi-final tie at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night after goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon.