"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.

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.

Mikel Arteta admits it was “not good” to see swathes of Arsenal supporters leave the Emirates Stadium early during Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle. The Gunners now have a mountain to climb after a 2-0 loss at home against Eddie Howe’s side if they are to reach March’s final.

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.

Oleksandr Zinchenko could leave Arsenal this month with Inter Milan plotting a move for the former Manchester City defender

Mikel Arteta suggested the Carabao Cup match ball played a role in Arsenal's 2-0 semi-final defeat to Newcastle - despite the fact both teams used the same ball