Arsenal will go for it at Newcastle, says Arteta ahead of League Cup semi

Feb 4 (Reuters) - With momentum on their side after a 5-1 mauling of Manchester City in the Premier League, Arsenal are ready to give their all to overturn a 2-0 deficit against Newcastle United in the League Cup semi-finals, coach Mikel Arteta said on Tuesday.

Newcastle put themselves in the driving seat for the second leg at St. James' Park, thanks to goals by Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon at the Emirates Stadium in January.

However, Eddie Howe's side are coming off the back of successive home defeats and Arsenal, who last won the League Cup in 1993, are prepared for the challenge.

"When you compare the emotions of the team after the defeat and today, it's very different because we come from very strong performances, especially the one against City (on Sunday)," Arteta told reporters.

"It is a moment (for) full gas and (we're) ready to go for it and approach it in a way where we can reach the final.

"The next stop is the final in Wembley, we know how it is and you can feel it. The buzz that the game gave us against City and in the manner that we did it. We're going to give it a real go."

Despite looking to strengthen their forward line after losing Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus to injury, Arsenal did not sign any new players in the January transfer window, which closed on Monday, much to Arteta's disappointment.

"We had a clear intention which is always when a window opens to explore the opportunities to improve our squad. With players with injuries, we've been impacted and we haven't achieved it," the Spaniard said.

"We are disappointed in that sense but as well we are very aware that we only want to bring certain kinds of players and we have to be very disciplined with that as well."

Defender Ben White continues to be sidelined, having undergone a procedure on his knee in November. Winger Saka, 23, also remains out after suffering a hamstring injury in late December.

"White is still out, hopefully after the break he will be available. Saka (is) not available yet," Arteta added. (Reporting by Pearl Josephine Nazare in Goa; Editing by Christian Radnedge)