Arsenal need goals. What the transfer window won’t provide they must find within their limited options, because a two-goal deficit at St. James’ Park is an intimidating task for all but the most free-scoring of sides.

On Sunday, that is just what the EFL Cup semifinalists looked like, the goals pouring down on Manchester City in perhaps the most resounding triumph thus far in Mikel Arteta’s tenure. In the immediate aftermath, belief surged through the squad. They were not just expecting to overturn their first-leg deficit to Newcastle, but to do so with flair.

“We are going to go there to win the game and to score three, four, five,” commented Martinelli. Arteta was equally enthusiastic. “Next stop is a final at Wembley,” he stated during his pre-match press meeting. “You can feel it instantly, the vigor that the game gave us, winning against City, the way we accomplished it. We’re going to give it a real go.”

In the aftermath of their explosion in output on Sunday, their 2-0 loss at the Emirates Stadium adopts a different appearance. Sometimes you’ll put up exactly one expected goal and score five. At times you’ll eliminate three xG and receive none. In microcosm, the recent form of Kai Havertz typifies that of Arsenal as a whole. For all the ups and downs, opportunities keep flowing.

This was the point Arteta was intent on driving home after consecutive draining cup defeats, first to Newcastle and then to Manchester United in the FA Cup third round. However, Arsenal can contend they endeavored for something more substantial. Even without Bukayo Saka, whose accuracy and calmness in front of goal might have yielded one or more goals from the six significant chances they squandered in the first leg, the non-penalty expected goals (npxG) have only slightly dipped.

Arsenal must keep creating chances and executing their game plan, especially as they face teams in the Champions League and potentially during the title race. The objective remains clear and attainable: score enough to advance in the EFL Cup and prove their resilience in this high-stakes match.