"Saliba and Gabriel"–Gary Neville says Arsenal Defenders are to blame After Carabao Cup Exit
Neville criticizes Arsenal's center-backs, claiming Alexander Isak and Newcastle's attack left them exposed in a disappointing Carabao Cup defeat.
Arsenal’s journey in the Carabao Cup came to a disappointing end after a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United, knocking them out with a 4-0 loss on aggregate. The Gunners, who had been hopeful after their impressive 5-1 victory over Manchester City just days earlier, couldn’t handle Newcastle’s attacking force at St. James’ Park.
The focus of the defeat was on Arsenal’s defensive duo, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, who have been solid for Mikel Arteta’s side but struggled on this occasion. Former Manchester United defender and current pundit Gary Neville didn’t hold back in his criticism, pointing out how Newcastle striker Alexander Isak dominated Arsenal’s backline.
During his commentary for the match, Neville highlighted how Isak gave the Arsenal defenders a tough time. The Swedish forward was involved in Newcastle’s opening goal, hitting the post before Jacob Murphy finished the rebound.
“It’s all about Isak,” Neville said. “He is messing the Arsenal centre-backs about. Look at him against Saliba—Saliba thinks he has the advantage, but Isak turns him with ease. He had Gabriel and Saliba on toast.”
Neville further noted that Saliba, usually a composed and dominant defender, looked unsettled. “I have never seen Saliba so ruffled before. Gordon and Isak are in his head,” he added.
Fellow pundit Jamie Redknapp also pointed out Arsenal’s defensive struggles, saying: “I have never seen Gabriel and Saliba so uncomfortable, and that’s because of the quality of Alexander Isak. They usually dominate attackers, but they couldn’t handle Newcastle’s front three.”
Isak, Murphy, and Anthony Gordon, Newcastle’s attacking trio, continuously put pressure on Arsenal’s defense, causing them to make mistakes and exploiting them. Despite having brief control, Arsenal was unable to penetrate Newcastle’s well-organized defense.
Newcastle secured their spot in the Carabao Cup final with a 4-0 aggregate win. In hopes to win their first major trophy in decades, they will now play either Tottenham or Liverpool. Manager Eddie Howe believes his club developed since last year’s final loss to Manchester United.
“We have come a long way since then,” Howe told BBC Radio 5 Live. “Playing in the Champions League has helped us improve, and we’re better prepared for big games now.”
After such a painful loss, Arsenal’s team will need to get back together fast. The Gunners need to make sure that this setback doesn’t disrupt their season objectives because they have important league and European games coming up.
