2 positives & 3 negatives from Arsenal's 0-2 defeat to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup

Positive #2: Myles Lewis-Skelly

Experienced players let Arsenal down on the night, so it was left to the impetuousness and bravado of youth to carry the fight. Myles Lewis-Skelly proved up for the challenge during another enterprising display from a left-back berth he is getting closer to owning outright.

The academy graduate showed his fearless side, as well as his natural skill, to get out of tough spots twice in the first half. Lewis-Skelly's efforts were applauded by James Benge of CBS Sports.

This teenager is fast becoming the lone bright spot amid an increasingly disappointing campaign. That's worrying on two levels.

One, if Lewis-Skelly is the left-back of now and the future, what about all that money wasted on Riccardo Calafiori? Second, would Lews-Skelly's obvious technical prowess and daring ingenuity serve Arsenal better in a midfield role?

Answering those questions satisfactorily is the crucial next step in how Arteta and his staff handle the development of their brightest young thing.

Negative #2: Gabriel Martinelli isn't quite back

He's getting there, but Arsenal are still waiting for Gabriel Martinelli to make it all the way back to his best form. There were signs of it in this tie. Signs like his familiar straight-line pace and some varied movement thrown in for more than just good measure.

Martinelli's more intelligent running helped create the hosts' best chance of the opening 45 minutes. Although he thundered his shot off the near post, the chance showed why Martinelli's future must ultimately be as a central striker.

He's quick, clever and direct enough to get into these positions more often. The finishing touch that's deserting the Brazilian will return.

When it does, Martinelli can have a significnant impact on a title race Arsenal are still, inexplicably, involved in at the deep end. Until then, Martinelli's rust is only adding to gathering woes in attack.

Negative #3: Arteta's poor record at St. James Park

Arteta has been on the losing end in three of his last four trips to Newcastle. Worse still, his side didn't score in any of those three games.

The numbers hardly add up to Arsenal reversing the tide in the second leg. Failing to do so would squander another trophy-winning opportunity during what are supposed to be revolutionary and halcyon days at the club.

If you haven't guessed it by now, the hype doesn't match the reality of the Arteta era. A reality of near misses he swerves unscathed, but some marks will finally show if there's another setback in the north east.

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