Theo Walcott reveals what worries him most about Arsenal's performance in Newcastle defeat: Jamie Redknapp calls Mikel Arteta's team 'toothless' without Bukayo Saka.


  • Arsenal were defeated by Newcastle in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals
  • The Gunners have struggled in front of goal since Saka was injured
  • Hear It's all starting! Jack Grealish will not be allowed to roam at Man City… will be sold this summer if things don't change

Theo Walcott has highlighted what worries him most about Arsenal's defeat to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup.

Mikel Arteta's side have a mammoth task if they are to reach the final of the competition after losing 2-0 at the Emirates in the semi-final first leg on Tuesday night.

Goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon mean the Gunners must go to St James' Park and overturn a two-goal deficit to prepare for a final against Tottenham or Liverpool.

But the cup is not the only competition in which Arsenal have had problems. They are second in the Premier League table, but are six points behind Liverpool, who have a game in hand.

Despite this, Arteta's team has begun to have increasing problems in front of goal and will be without its talisman Bukayo Saka for several months due to injury.

And former Arsenal winger Walcott, speaking during Sky Sports' coverage of Tuesday's match, pointed out where he thinks the Gunners are going wrong.

Theo Walcott has highlighted what worried him most about Arsenal from Tuesday's defeat against Newcastle

Theo Walcott has highlighted what worried him most about Arsenal from Tuesday's defeat against Newcastle

The Gunners lost 2-0 at home and must overcome the deficit to reach the final

The Gunners lost 2-0 at home and must overcome the deficit to reach the final

Walcott highlighted how he feels Arsenal are moving away from what they stood for.

Walcott highlighted how he feels Arsenal are moving away from what they are 'known for'

“What worries me about Arsenal is that they get carried away all the time with set pieces instead of the fluid football they are known for,” Walcott said. 'We are avoiding it.

“It was a very mediocre performance in the second half. It's about moving away from free-flowing football and creating chances.

“I think it's a lack of confidence, I think there were a lot of nerves in the stadium.”

Saka could be sidelined until spring after undergoing hamstring surgery, and Arsenal must now find a way to replace his goalscoring ability and creativity.

Ethan Nwaneri looked set to make a run down the Gunners' right flank and scored against Brighton, but he was injured in the game and is set to spend some time on the sidelines.

Gabriel Martinelli was tried there, while Leandro Trossard played most of Tuesday's match in Saka's position.

Still, neither choice has worked yet, and Arsenal have been forced to rely on set pieces to create chances at times. Nine of his 39 Premier League goals this season have come from corners, a division-high.

And Jamie Redknapp pulled no punches when discussing the team's problems in Saka's absence with a brutal analysis of the north London club.

Jamie Redknapp also described Arsenal as

Jamie Redknapp also branded Arsenal 'toothless' in the absence of key man Bukayo Saka

Saka will be out of action for several weeks after undergoing hamstring surgery

Saka will be out of action for several weeks after undergoing hamstring surgery

“Arsenal didn't have a shot on goal in the second half,” Redknapp began. 'It shows you that without Saka they have no teeth.

“There was no rhythm in the team, they missed it a lot, they didn't have enough quality and it didn't look like they would ever achieve anything.”





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By Kevin Rogers

Kevin is a seasoned sports journalist with 15 years of experience covering major leagues, including the NFL, NBA, and MLB. His dynamic commentary and expert game analysis connect with fans across all sports, ensuring reliable and engaging coverage. Phone: +1 (212) 574-9823

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