Arsenal great Lee Dixon has slammed the club’s full-back, Jurrien Timber, following the Gunners’ 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United in the EFL Cup on Tuesday.
Dixon singled out the Dutch defender for blame, criticising his poor defending that led to Newcastle’s second goal as the north London giants lost the first leg of the semi-final.
Alexander Isak scored his 14th goal of the season to give the Magpies the opener in the 37th minute.
England international Anthony Gordon made it 2-0 for the visitors in the 51st minute by reacting quickest to Isak’s shot, which was stopped by David Raya.
Dixon slammed Timber for allowing Gordon to reach the rebound first, insisting that the Dutchman should have anticipated the ball and cleared the danger.
Dixon said on ITV: “There’s the space, there’s the ball, but at the far post, Timber, bits and pieces, too slow. You’ve got to react to the goalkeeper’s save better than that.
“Follow it in. Gordon does follow it in, he gets the rewards, 2-0. Big mountain to climb for Arsenal. The two centre-backs don’t get tight enough.”
Arsenal will travel to Tyneside for the second leg on February 5.
Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur will take on Liverpool in the first leg of the other semi-final on Wednesday.