Arsenal’s chances of making the Carabao Cup final hang by a thread after a calamitous 2-0 defeat at home to Newcastle in the semi-final first leg.

On a night when the Gunners dominated possession and created a host of chances they were punished for not putting the ball in the back of the net. In contrast, the visitors made the most of two clearcut opportunities with Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon scoring either side of the break.

Having called for a big atmosphere from the Emirates crowd before the match, manager Mikel Arteta will find it particularly jarring that thousands voted with their feet in the closing stages leaving swathes of empty seats by full-time.

After the match, the manager, not for the first time this season, lamented his team’s profligacy in front of goal.

“That was the biggest difference in the game because from any other aspect, probably we’re the better team,” he told Sky Sports.

“But this is about scoring goals, they managed with the chances that they had and very deflected goals to score two goals so credit to them because they managed to win the game like this.

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

“We tried it in various ways with different players and we generated a lot of situations but it’s true they defended their box very well with the lines.

“I think they blocked a lot of shots, credit to them. We can do better there in terms of our decision, timing to shoot and how we can do that.”

Arsenal have seven matches to play before an opportunity to rescue the tie at St James’ Park. It’s very difficult to say what state the squad will be in by early February but if it continues to play the turgid football on offer this evening you’d be foolish to lay even the smallest bet on them making it to Wembley.

“I have full belief that we can do it,” said Arteta putting a brave face on things.