Theo Walcott reveals Arsenal set-piece ‘worry’ after Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle United

Theo Walcott admits he is ‘worried’ for Arsenal over their reliance on set-pieces following the 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday evening.

Mikel Arteta’s side may now struggle to reach the Carabao Cup final in March after goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon sealed the win for Eddie Howe’s men in the first leg of their semi final at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal came close to scoring with Gabriel Martinelli hitting the post in the first half, while Kai Havertz missed with a clear header inside the six-yard box shortly after the break.

Walcott, however, feels that Arsenal lack fluidity in attack and says their dominance from set-pieces, which has resulted in 10 goals in the Premier League and three in the Champions League this season, has come at a cost.

‘With Arsenal what worries me for them in this moment in time is they are getting excited about set-pieces all the time, instead of getting excited about free-flowing football, that is what Arsenal’s known for,’ Walcott told Sky Sports.

‘They’re getting away from it, they are shying away from it at this moment in time.

‘You can see at times the players are running out of ideas, they can’t, at times, play off the cuff should we say, they’re playing to a system, it gives the opportunity to Newcastle, who defended incredibly well, time to get back into shape when there’s space to attack.

‘It was a very lacklustre performance in the second half. It’s going away from free-flowing football and creating chances.

‘It is a lack of confidence I think, I think there were a lot of nerves in the stadium.’

Meanwhile, Jamie Redknapp believes the absence of Bukayo Saka, who underwent hamstring surgery last month, has been a key factor behind Arsenal’s struggles in attacking areas.

‘No shots on target for arsenal in the second half,’ Redknapp said.

‘It shows you without Saka they are toothless.

‘No pace in the team, they missed him so badly, didn’t have enough quality and didn’t look like they would ever get anything.’

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