Jamie Carragher was in astonishment as he saw Arsenal tumble out of the Carabao Cup semi-finals against Newcastle.
Jamie Carragher has launched a stinging assault on Arsenal’s David Raya, arguing that goalkeepers should be banned from making hazardous passes to midfielders following his error in Wednesday’s defeat to Newcastle United.
Newcastle knocked Arsenal out of the Carabao Cup after a 4-0 aggregate loss in the semi-finals, denying them a trip to Wembley and leaving them looking outclassed at St James’ Park.
Despite Newcastle’s 2-0 lead from the first leg, fans may have been concerned that Arsenal would overcome their advantage in search of much-needed silverware.
However, such concerns were alleviated when the Magpies dominated the game on Tyneside. Jacob Murphy put Newcastle ahead in the first half with a rebound off the post following Alexander Isak’s superb move.
Despite having the lead, the home team continued to press for another goal, while Arsenal’s defence became increasingly wobbly, as evidenced by Raya’s error that led to the second goal.
Raya attempted to play from the back, passing directly to Declan Rice, who was quickly harried by Newcastle’s aggressive press. Rice lost the ball to Fabian Schar’s persistent tackle, allowing Anthony Gordon to finish easily.
Carragher slammed Raya’s selection on X, stating, “Keepers need to be banned from playing those passes into midfield players.”
Gary Neville also chastised Arsenal’s defenders Gabriel and William Saliba, accusing them of being left “on toast” by Isak’s display.
“It is all about Isak. He is causing problems for Arsenal’s centre backs. Look at him against Saliba; he [Saliba] believes he’s got the lead, but he flicks it around the corner,” Neville said.
“What a strike, and a stroke of luck because the pass does not hit him, and it falls to Murphy. But he has Gabriel and Saliba for toast.”
After the game, Arteta confessed that the defeat was devastating, especially given the prospect of another trophyless season at the Emirates Stadium.
He explained: “Physically, we were fatigued. We have played numerous games. Emotionally, it was also a whole different game to believe that we could achieve it right then and then.
“We had so many aspirations that we believed we could turn things around. The game began with the opening action, a goal that was rejected. We had two opportunities, but we didn’t capitalize, and the game switched.
“It’s a tricky one. We recognized how difficult the assignment would be based on the [first leg] results in London. Now we have to look forward, and it will be painful. When we are in Dubai, we refuel.”
