Camera spots what Mikel Arteta was doing on the touchline during Newcastle defeat and fans can't believe it

Mikel Arteta was spotted doing an odd thing by cameras during his side’s 2-0 Carabao Cup semi-final defeat against Newcastle at the Emirates on Tuesday evening.

Arsenal failed to convert any of their 23 shots on goal during the game, while Newcastle went ahead on 37 minutes through the in-form Alexander Isak before Anthony Gordon doubled the away side’s lead on 51 minutes to hand the Magpies the advantage going into next month’s second leg at St James’ Park.

Arteta, 42, even explained how the ball may have had something to do with why his side misfired in front of goal.

"We kicked a lot of balls over the bar, and it's tricky that these balls fly a lot so there's details that we can do better," said Arteta in his post-match press conference.

"It's just different," he added when asked to elaborate on his comments regarding the ball.

"It's very different to a Premier League ball, and you have to adapt to that because it flies different."

Now, footage emerged appearing to show the Arsenal boss checking his watch while the Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka took his time on goal kicks.

pic.twitter.com/NABAY70681 https://t.co/25OyuKsw8S

— CF Comps (@CF_Compss) January 7, 2025

And fans were quick to give their thoughts on social media.

One fan said: “Arteta timing Dubravka’s goal kicks when his team has 9 yellow cards for time wasting this season.”

Another added: "Lost the plot as all the pressure mounting with each game further away from a trophy.”

A third slammed: "He was fighting back the tears in the sky post match interview yesterday because he knew there were no excuses he could use. To then go to the official post match presser and complain about the ball is just hilarious. The man is a 2nd rate coach."

While a fourth commented: "Bro is in his time keeping phase."

A fifth explained: "What goes around comes around."

Next up, Arsenal face Ruben Amorim's Manchester United in the FA Cup third round at the Emirates on Sunday, with Arteta no doubt hoping they can return to winning ways.

The Gunners are now two games without a victory having drawn to Brighton last Saturday before Tuesday's defeat against Newcastle.