It was a first leg of the Carabao Cup semifinal for Arsenal to forget as Alexander Isak's goal and assist powered Newcastle United to a 2-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium, but while Mikel Arteta gave Newcastle credit for their performance,

Mikel Arteta beileves it will be very difficult for Arsenal to sign players who can affect their first team in the January transfer window. The Gunners have been consistently linked with a move for Newcastle United's Alexander Isak, although the Magpies are highly unlikely to sell their prize asset.

Chris Hughton was the last Newcastle manager to win at Arsenal, a 1-0 Andy Carroll header in November 2010. Hughton ridiculously sacked by Mike Ashley only a couple of weeks later (NUFC had won 5-1 against the Mackems a week earlier than the Arsenal victory), with strong rumours Hughton was refusing to agree to the sale of Andy Carroll.

Newcastle have only ever won once at the Emirates, but Howe's team travel to North London full of belief following six wins on the bounce and this side have previously frustrated Gunners on their own turf.

Newcastle United head to the Emirates Stadium tonight as one of the in-form teams - with Alexander Isak on the very top of his game.

That’s according to Ornstein, who has also claimed that if Arsenal sacked Arteta, he would be snapped up ‘within seconds’ by one of the biggest clubs in the world.

Lee Dixon criticised William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes against Newcastle, as the usually trustworthy duo were torn apart by Alexander Isak and co. Dixon wasn’t the only figure to be let down by Saliba, as Arteta was spotted being left in a state of disbelief by one thing the Frenchman did.

Arsenal could have Riccardo Calafiori back for their Premier League clash with Aston Villa. Calafiori missed games against Manchester United and Tottenham but the Italian has not been ruled out of featuring against Villa at Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Arsenal moved up to second place in the Premier League and within four points of leaders Liverpool with victory over Tottenham in midweek.

Kyle Walker is closing in on a move to AC Milan as Manchester City prepare to complete the signing of Omar Marmoush, while Real Madrid may be making a play for William Saliba with all eyes also on Marcus Rashford’s next move. Follow all the latest transfer news, gossip and rumours live below!

Arsenal will continue their attempts to wrestle the Premier League title race back into their favour when they host Aston Villa on Saturday.The Gunners head into this weekend only four points behind the League leaders,