"Excuses mean you cannot grow or move forward." Mikel Arteta learned many lessons from his former mentor but seems to have disregarded that particular pearl of wisdom. Arsenal's increasingly beleaguered boss blamed the "tricky" ball used in the Carabao Cup after his side's wayward performance in a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United on Tuesday.

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.

The Telegraph’s claim that Mikel Arteta blamed the Carabao Cup ball for Arsenal’s defeat to Newcastle lacks nuance, oversimplifying his analysis of missed chances, but is anyone surprised?Arteta

Emmanuel Petit has identified the three signings Mikel Arteta needs to make in January to kick-start Arsenal’s season and admits he is getting ‘frustrated’ and ‘annoyed’ by Gabriel Martinelli. The Gunners are struggling to show the consistency that enabled them to rival Manchester City for the Premier League title over the past two seasons.

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

The Gunners have lacked a cutting edge in attack, with Newcastle punishing them to grasp control of their Carabao Cup semi-final on Tuesday

Arsenal's recent struggles in goalscoring opportunities have further impacted the team's overall performance, raising questions on Mikel Arteta's tactical approach. Following a 0-2 defeat at the hands of Newcastle in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semifinal tie,

League Cup organisers have poked fun at Mikel Arteta after the Arsenal manager suggested the "tricky" match ball played a part in his side's defeat by Newcastle.

Arsenal have been dealt a slight curveball ahead of their clash against Manchester United. Mikel Arteta will lock horns with Ruben Amorim at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday as they both look to book a place in the FA Cup fourth round.

Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta appeared to blame the ball for their Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle. Carabao Cup hit back at the Gunners boss with a cheeky post.

Mikel Arteta made headlines when blaming the match ball when Arsenal lost 2-0 at home to Newcastle United. As always, the Gunners boss looking for excuses when his team lose, rather than graciously accepting the defeat.