Arsenal legend trolled with ‘cope’ claim after loss at Newcastle
Arsenal legend Martin Keown was trolled online after the Gunners lost 2-0 to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup semi-final.
The Gunners went into the second-leg of their clash against Newcastle with a two goal deficit, having lost to the Magpies on 7 January.
Despite dominating possession, Arsenal would concede to Jacob Murphy in the 20th minute, after the English winger reacted quickly to Alexander Isak’s shot hitting the post and bouncing out.
Newcastle would then double their lead in the 52nd minute through Anthony Gordon, David Raya’s poor pass was intercepted by Fabian Schar, who teed up the former Everton winger for a simple finish.
Arsenal’s 4-0 loss on aggregate means the it will be Newcastle who face one of Liverpool or Tottenham in the Carabao Cup final on 16 March.
Simon Jordan took the opportunity to poke some fun at Keown, as the two often feature on talkSPORT’s morning shows together.
The former Crystal Palace chairman posted an image on X, making light of Arsenal’s barren trophy haul in recent years, and Jordan said: “Someone sent me this … which I thought was a bit strong. I was going to send it to Keown, but I wasn’t sure he would be able to cope.”
Simon Jordan mocks Martin Keown over Arsenal drought
Football Insider Verdict
Having failed to score across both legs of their semi-final, fans think Mikel Arteta will be fuming with his board for not signing a forward in January.
Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus suffered an ACL injury and Gunners winger Bukayo Saka has undergone hamstring surgery, ruling both out for the rest of the season.
Fans of the club had expected to see replacement’s brought in, in the January transfer window as a result.
Newcastle’s striker Isak was heavily linked with a move to North London, and Benjamin Sesko has a “gentlemen’s agreement” with RB Leipzig that could have seen him join Arsenal.
Despite the links, the Gunners failed to strengthen the side in the winter period, leaving Arteta with Kai Havertz as the only recognised striker in the squad.
The failure to adequately replace the injured stars in Arteta’s squad was on show against the Magpies, as Arsenal looked toothless in attack.
Arsenal success risked by barren transfer window for Mikel Arteta
Whilst the long-term success of the club will not be defined by a singular Carabao Cup, a League Cup victory would have been important in proving the project Arteta is attempting to build is successful.
When fully fit, the Gunners have a squad capable of competing at the highest level, but Saka’s injury, and the failure to strengthen the squad may now see this season as another nearly campaign.
Arsenal’s most recent major trophy was an FA Cup victory in the 2019/20 season, five years ago.
Following back-to-back second place finishes, Arsenal looked in pole position to take advantage of Man City’s failings this season.
Instead, the Gunners sit six points behind Liverpool, who have a game in hand, and it seems Arsenal may spend yet another season ruing letting a trophy slip through their fingers.