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Arteta Disappointed as Arsenal Miss Out on January Signings

By on February 4, 2025

Mikel Arteta

Arsenal face Newcastle United in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final as they attempt to overturn a 2-0 deficit. The Gunners will need to score at least three goals against a resilient Newcastle side to book their place in the final.

The North Londoners missed the chance to strengthen their attacking options during the winter transfer window, despite suffering significant injuries to key players upfront. Manager Mikel Arteta has voiced his disappointment over the club’s inability to secure reinforcements this winter.

Mikel Arteta’s Pre-Newcastle Presser

Speaking ahead of the decisive clash, the Spanish manager admitted the club was disappointed not to make the most of the transfer window.

However, he stressed the importance of discipline, stating that Arsenal remain committed to a certain profile of players.

‘We had a clear intention which is always there is a window open to explore opportunities to improve our squad with players that can impact it. We haven’t achieved it so we are disappointed in that sense but as well we are very aware that we only want to bring in certain kinds of players and we have to be very disciplined with that as well, and I think that we were.’

On Newcastle being a bogey team:

When questioned about Newcastle becoming a ‘bogey’ team for Arsenal given their record record, Arteta dismissed the notion. Instead, he described the match as a crucial opportunity for his team to secure a spot at Wembley.

‘I didn’t know that word! They are a very difficult team to play against and there have been different games. We beat them at home last year in a good way, and obviously this season has been different with two very different games as well. It’s another opportunity in front of us, a big one that can take us to Wembley so I’m really looking forward to it.’

Arteta also acknowledged the challenge of finding the goals needed to overcome Newcastle, given their defensive strength and Arsenal’s current lack of options in attack. However, he remained optimistic about his team’s chances of overturning the deficit.

‘They are two separate things, one I think we talk very openly from my side and a club perspective about the intention to improve the squad if we have the capacity to do it. Then, most importantly, to keep improving the team and the individuals within the team because they’re the ones that we have and we love. That’s it and from now there’s no discussion about it, and we focus on the things that we have continued to do even when the window was open.’

The Gunners will be eager to make history by advancing to the final and ending their long wait for a League Cup triumph, which dates back to 1993.