Mikel Arteta Hints at What Went Wrong During Arsenal's Carabao Cup Collapse vs Brighton

• Mikel Arteta has urged the Arsenal board to have an active transfer window in January
• This follows a shock Carabao Cup third-round exit at the hands of Brighton and Hove Albion on Wednesday
• Arsenal are still in three other competitions so far this campaign; the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has subtly hinted that his team could be suffering from a lack of squad depth amid an intense run of fixtures after the shock exit from the Carabao Cup.

Despite making a positive start and taking the lead through Eddie Nketiah, Arsenal completely collapsed as the game wore on and their former man Danny Welbeck found the equalizer from the penalty spot in the first half.

Substitute Kaoru Mitoma and wing-back Tariq Lamptey put Brighton two goals up in the second half, and there were little signs that Arsenal would make a comeback after that.

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Notably, Arteta made 10 changes from his side that typically plays in the Premier League, where they are mounting a surprise title challenge in the 2022/23 season.

As reported on Express.co.UK, Arteta was asked after the defeat whether his side needed strengthening in January, and his response was blunt but clear:

"That’s a window that is open and we’ll have to discuss the opportunities that we have and be on the market for opportunities." He said as quoted on Football London.

Arteta admitted his squad is “very short” as a result of injuries and other factors but maintained that was no excuse for his side’s Carabao Cup exit.

“We know where we are we know at the moment. We know as well that we have certain injuries, and the squad is very, very short. We have tried to manage that in the best possible situation. It’s the same when we win a football match so no excuses.”

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Interestingly, Arteta went for Arsenal’s third choice goalkeeper Hein for the game at the expense of USA’s no. 1 Matt Turner. The goalie was at fault for conceding the penalty that led to Brighton’s equalizer.

On his squad selection, Arteta explained he felt Hein deserved a chance.

"I think he deserves the chance. He’s the first goalie of the national team and at his age that’s not usual.

Welbeck’s reaction after scoring

Earlier, Sports Brief also reported on Danny Welbeck’s subdued goal celebration after scoring against the Gunners.

Brighton have proven to be no pushovers this season, and despite the departure of Graham Potter who has since become the new Chelsea manager, the Seagulls continue to fly high domestically.

After Welbeck's equalizer from the penalty spot, the former Arsenal man did not get too excited with his celebrations and Arsenal fans absolutely loved it on social media.