Arsenal’s chances of reaching the Carabao Cup final are hanging by a thread after their disastrous 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle in the first leg of the semi-final.

On a night where the Gunners dominated possession and created numerous chances, they were penalized for failing to put the ball in the net. In contrast, the visitors took advantage of two clear opportunities, with Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon scoring either side of the break.

Manager Mikel Arteta had called for a great atmosphere in the Emirates crowd before the game and will find it particularly worrying that thousands voted with their feet in the final stages and entire seats were empty by the end of the game.

After the game, the coach, not for the first time this season, lamented his team’s wastefulness in front of goal.

“That was the biggest difference in the game because in all other aspects we are probably the better team,” he said Sky Sports.

“But this is about scoring goals. They managed to score two goals with the chances they had and very deflected goals, so a lot of credit to them for managing to win the game that way.”

“When we miss missed chances and then concede a goal, it’s always tough. But I think the team reacted, the team was very willing.

“We tried different ways with different players and created a lot of situations, but it is true that they defended their penalty area very well with the lines.

“I think they blocked a lot of shots, credit to them. We can better make our decision there, when to shoot and how to achieve it.”

Arsenal still have seven games left before they have a chance of salvaging the tie at St James’ Park. It’s very difficult to say what state the team will be in at the start of February, but if they continue to play the pompous football on display tonight, it would be foolish to place even the slightest bet on them make it to Wembley Stadium.

“I am firmly convinced that we can do it,” said Arteta with a brave face.