"He is not a serious footballer", "Can't win s**t with him" - Fans slam Arsenal star after 2-0 loss to Newcastle in EFL Cup clash

Fans were not pleased with Kai Havertz's performance in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final between Newcastle United and Arsenal on Tuesday (January 7). The sides clashed at the Emirates Stadium as the Magpies secured a 2-0 victory to inch closer to the final, set to be played at Wembley Stadium on March 16.

Apart from the recent loss, Arsenal’s form in the Carabao Cup has been nothing short of impressive. Prior to the game against Newcastle, the Gunners thumped every side they were paired with in the competition.

An end-to-end affair from both sides saw Newcastle take the lead in the 38th minute. The Magpies opened the scoring through Alexander Isak. Sven Botman won the header from Dúbravka’s long free-kick, and Jacob Murphy teed up Isak for the talismanic striker to score.

Arsenal came out strongly in the second half and put Newcastle on the back foot. While Mikel Arteta’s men enjoyed more possession throughout the game (70%), it was Newcastle who doubled their lead six minutes after the restart, as Anthony Gordon converted from close range.

The hosts tried everything they could but the visitors held onto their lead to strengthen their hopes of reaching a second EFL Cup final in three seasons. After the match, fans took to X to criticize Kai Havertz, who lost possession seven times, missed one big chance, and lost 10 of his 15 duels.

"Havertz is not a serious footballer sha," a fan wrote.

Another tweeted:

''You can’t win sh*t with havertz leading your line in 2025.''

''That guy Havertz man. I am out of curse words to use on that guy. His got the attacking instinct of a pangolin. We are where we are today because of this signing,'' another wrote.

''Havertz is the least rated player today. "Thank you, Chelsea," another quipped.

''Havertz doesn't start for any team in the top 6, Merino also. But those are the favorites of our deluded fan base," another chimed in.

''Thank you @ChelseaFC for Havertz,'' annother added.

Mikel Arteta on Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat against Newcastle

Mikel Arteta assessed his side’s performance in the post-match conference after they fell to a 2-0 defeat in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle.

The Spanish manager claimed that the result of the game starkly contrasted with the story of the game. Arsenal slightly edged Eddie Howe’s men in possession in the first half (58%) but dominated them completely in the second half (80%).

Arteta also remarked that the Magpies were more clinical in front of the goal while his side were less effective. He said (via the club’s website):

''It’s the result. If you look at what both teams produced and the domination of the game, it’s not a result that reflects the story of the game. But the reality is that they were super efficient with the chances that they had and we weren’t, and at this level in these kind of scenarios, you need to impose yourself and win the game.’’

Arsenal will next be in action against Manchester United in the third round of the FA Cup on Sunday (January 12).