Mikel Arteta has suggested that Arsenal’s inability to capitalize on clear scoring opportunities during their 2-0 loss to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg was partly due to the distinct characteristics of the competition’s ball.

The Gunners, who trained with the League Cup ball on the eve of the match, struggled to adapt to its unique flight and grip compared to the Premier League ball. Despite registering 23 attempts on goal, Arsenal failed to find the net, with notable misses from Jurrien Timber, Gabriel Martinelli, and Kai Havertz.

Arteta praised Newcastle for their clinical efficiency, with goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon proving decisive, but he was critical of his team’s finishing. “Newcastle were super efficient in front of goal, and we were not,” he stated. “We’ll work on showing the players what they can do better, but we missed a lot of chances. These balls are tricky; they fly differently, and there are details we can improve.”

When pressed on the issue with the ball, which is manufactured by Puma instead of Nike like the Premier League ball, Arteta explained: “It’s very different. The flight, the grip, everything feels different, and the players need to adapt to that.”

Arsenal’s hopes of overturning the deficit will hinge on the second leg in February, by which time they hope to have key attacking players back from injuries and illness.

Stopping the In-Form Alexander Isak

A major task for Arsenal in the second leg will be neutralizing Alexander Isak, who played a pivotal role in Newcastle’s victory. Isak not only opened the scoring but also set up Gordon’s goal by forcing a save that led to the rebound.

Anthony Gordon lavished praise on his teammate, calling him the best striker in Europe. “I think so,” Gordon said when asked about Isak’s status. “He’s on fire. Even for my goal, I was just gambling at the back post because I trust him.”

Eddie Howe Acknowledges Newcastle’s Fortunate Defense

Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe commended Isak’s performance, describing him as “electric.” However, Howe revealed that Isak had been dealing with a hamstring issue, which required careful management in the second half.

“He was excellent,” Howe said. “His overall game was in a great place. Unfortunately, we had to manage his minutes due to his hamstring, which impacted our performance in the second half.”

Howe admitted Newcastle had moments of luck in defending their lead, praising goalkeeper Martin Dubravka’s critical saves and the team’s resilient defensive efforts. “Martin was outstanding, and the blocked shots and heroic defending in the final minutes were key,” he said.

Dubravka’s Future at Newcastle

Dubravka’s emotional reaction after the game has fueled speculation about a potential move to Saudi Arabia during the January transfer window. However, Howe made it clear he wishes to retain the goalkeeper. “He’s been playing very well, and from my perspective, I don’t want to lose him at all,” Howe asserted.

Representatives for Marcus Rashford have landed in Italy for discussions with AC Milan, while Manchester United is reportedly contemplating the potential departure of Alejandro Garnacho during the January transfer window. Here’s the latest roundup of transfer news and speculation from across the football world.

Rashford’s Italian Meeting with AC Milan
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Marcus Rashford’s team arrived in Italy late Tuesday to hold talks with AC Milan. The Serie A giants are eager to explore the terms of a potential loan arrangement, which could come to fruition in the coming weeks. Rashford’s representatives are also set to engage with Borussia Dortmund and other prominent European clubs in the near future. The 27-year-old forward has not featured for Manchester United since being excluded from Ruben Amorim’s squad for last month’s Manchester Derby, fueling expectations of his imminent exit from Old Trafford. A loan deal appears to be the most likely resolution at this stage.

Garnacho’s Future at Manchester United in Question
Reports from The Athletic suggest that Manchester United may allow Alejandro Garnacho to leave the club if their financial expectations are met. The 20-year-old winger has been a vital contributor to the team in recent seasons, netting 13 goals across 76 Premier League appearances. However, financial pressures related to Profit and Sustainability Regulations could force the club to consider selling either Garnacho or Kobbie Mainoo. Although neither player is being actively pushed out, the club’s leadership does not view them as “untouchable” should a suitable offer arise.

Jonathan Tah’s Barcelona Decision Pending
Florian Plettenberg reports that Jonathan Tah has yet to finalize a decision on joining Barcelona, despite persistent links to the La Liga club. The Bayer Leverkusen center-back has also drawn interest from Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, though Barcelona remains the frontrunner to secure his signature once his contract expires in June. Tah, 28, has been instrumental under Xavi Alonso’s management, playing a pivotal role in Bayer’s historic Bundesliga title win last season. Despite the strong connections, Tah’s “final commitment” to the Spanish club is still awaited.

Juventus Eye Dávid Hancko for January Reinforcements
Footmercato reports that Juventus has added Dávid Hancko of Feyenoord Rotterdam to their list of January transfer targets. The 27-year-old defender has impressed in the Eredivisie since his move from Sparta Prague in 2022, catching the attention of the Serie A powerhouse. Although the transfer process may prove challenging, initial talks between Juventus and Feyenoord are already underway. The club is expected to be highly active in the winter window, with rumors suggesting up to three new signings in the coming weeks.

Carney Chukwuemeka Attracting Borussia Dortmund Interest
Sky Germany indicates that Borussia Dortmund has set their sights on Chelsea’s Carney Chukwuemeka for a potential January move. The 21-year-old midfielder has struggled for game time under Chelsea’s current boss, Enzo Maresca, and is likely to seek opportunities elsewhere. Dortmund appears to be leading the race to secure the services of the England under-20 international, who has a release clause estimated at €40-45 million. However, a loan move seems the more probable outcome for this winter transfer window.

Marcus Rashford’s future at Manchester United appears uncertain, with the forward heavily linked to a move to AC Milan. Amid the speculation, an AC Milan player has offered words of caution regarding a potential switch to the Italian club.

Rashford’s Struggles at Manchester United

Rashford has fallen out of favor at his boyhood club, having been excluded from four consecutive matchday squads by manager Ruben Amorim. Although he returned to the bench for United’s loss against Newcastle, he did not feature in the match. Amorim later cited illness as the reason for Rashford’s absence during the draw with Liverpool.

In an interview with Henry Winter, Rashford admitted he is “ready for a new challenge and the next steps,” further fueling rumors about his departure. With his future at Old Trafford looking increasingly bleak, Rashford has attracted interest from several clubs, including AC Milan. Reports suggest that Milan approached Manchester United about the forward’s availability ten days ago, expressing serious interest in securing his services.

AC Milan’s Interest and Potential Challenges

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Rashford’s former teammate and now a key figure at AC Milan, is reportedly open to facilitating the move. However, a deal appears complex, with a loan move emerging as the most viable option. If Rashford joins Milan, he would link up with fellow English players Tammy Abraham and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, both of whom have found success in Serie A.

Despite success stories, Loftus-Cheek has highlighted the challenges of adapting to Italian football. “It’s a very tough league. The teams are all tactically astute, and breaking them down feels like a chess game,” Loftus-Cheek said in January 2023 via the club’s website. “You have to work much more as a team here, which has improved my game and my understanding. I’m happy to be in such a positive environment that’s helping me grow.”

Financial Obstacles to Rashford’s Transfer

Despite the rumors, any move for Rashford faces significant financial hurdles. David Ornstein of The Athletic noted that Rashford’s substantial five-year contract, worth over £325,000 per week and running until 2028, makes him a challenging acquisition for most clubs. “In January, it’s going to be very difficult. His salary is a major obstacle,” Ornstein explained on NBC Sports.

Ornstein also dismissed reports of Rashford rejecting offers from Saudi Arabia as “not entirely accurate.” This further complicates the forward’s potential exit from Old Trafford, as few clubs are likely to meet his wage demands in the current transfer market.

Conclusion

While AC Milan remains a potential destination for Marcus Rashford, the move is fraught with challenges, from adapting to Serie A’s tactical demands to the financial complexities of his Manchester United contract. As the January transfer window progresses, Rashford’s future remains a key talking point, with fans and pundits alike eager to see how the situation unfolds.