*Morning News: Thursday 6 February 2025* *Headlines* *President Mnangagwa Warns Ministers Against Trying To Derail 2030 Projects* *Mnangagwa Welcomes Trump's Decision To Deport Zimbabweans Illegally Staying In America* *Shrewd Chiwenga Declares Mnangagwa ‘The Boss’ Amid War Veterans’ Leadership Demands* *'Don't Call Me President' - Chiwenga Warns Majaira Jairosi* *Mayor Mafume's Luxurious Home Funded By Shady Deals, Disregard Of Council Regulations: Harare Commission Of Inquiry Says* *Bulawayo Maid Killed, Body Dissolved in Acid* *DRC WAR: Trapped South African Troops Running Out Of Food, Water* *US-Based Nigerian Doctor Commits Suicide After Court Orders Him To Pay $15,000 Maintenance To His Ex-Wife* *Critical Programmes To Continue Amid USAID Global Freeze* *Rapist/robber Slapped With A 50-year Jail Sentence* *US Top Diplomat Rubio Will Not Attend G20 Meeting In South Africa* *United Nations Chief Warns Trump Against Ethnic Cleansing In Gaza* *After Two Decades, Sean Williams Keeps On Running For Zimbabwe* *'Not Enough For What Club Expects': 'Toothless' Arsenal Miss Out Again* Join our *Ad-free* News Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VacXkvFJJhzd2UoZYF1F *Stories in Detail:* *President Mnangagwa Warns Ministers Against Trying To Derail 2030 Projects* President Emmerson Mnangagwa has issued a stern warning to underperforming Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, emphasizing that delays in submitting reports and attending Cabinet Committee meetings are hampering government operations. At a high-level meeting held yesterday at State House in Harare, the President engaged with all 10 provincial ministers, highlighting the need for efficiency and accountability in implementing the National Devolution Agenda. He underscored that timely and comprehensive reports on provincial economic and social affairs are critical to the country's development strategy. “It is unacceptable and tantamount to dereliction of duty for some provinces to fail in making these submissions,” President Mnangagwa said. He noted that non-attendance at crucial Cabinet Committee meetings had left gaps in decision-making, an issue that must be rectified immediately. The President reiterated that provincial ministers are expected to drive economic growth in their respective areas, ensuring that no place or community is left behind. He urged them to be proactive, decisive, and results-oriented in tackling provincial challenges. “Hesitation, dragging of feet, and fence-sitting are not acceptable dispositions under my administration,” he said. “Leaders must be bold, focused, and prepared to make the necessary sacrifices to deliver results.” He further emphasized that devolution is central to fostering national unity, social cohesion, and economic growth. Provincial ministers, he said, must work closely with local communities to harness available resources for development while maintaining the country's sovereignty and indivisibility. In a significant shift, President Mnangagwa announced that the role of provincial ministers will now go beyond administration to championing economic development at the sub-national level. He stressed that provincial fiscal performance will be closely monitored, and socio-economic progress in each province will be tracked using performance analysis dashboards. “The implementation of the National Development Strategy 2 must drive the modernization and sustainability of our provincial economies,” he said. He reminded ministers that Zimbabwe’s provinces are rich in natural resources, and their effective management should lead to tangible benefits for local communities. The President also addressed concerns about El Niño-induced drought conditions, instructing ministers to ensure efficient distribution of aid across districts. Additionally, he cautioned against certain private voluntary organizations (PVOs), accusing them of pursuing clandestine agendas that could undermine national progress. “I call upon provincial structures to shun and expose any machinations and underhand activities that seek to reverse the progress we have achieved as the Second Republic,” he said. He reaffirmed the ruling party’s dominance in government affairs, directing ministers to work in alignment with Zanu PF structures and traditional leaders to ensure grassroots participation in national development initiatives. Following the meeting, Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira, acknowledged the President’s call to action. “The meeting was vital as it pushes us to work harder towards achieving Vision 2030,” he said. He added that emphasis was placed on completing stalled projects to maximize their impact on citizens. Mashonaland East Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Dr. Apollonia Munzverengwi, highlighted the strides her province has made under the President’s guidance. She pointed to the construction of key dams like Muchekeranwa and Chivhu, which have enhanced irrigation and water supply for local communities. *Mnangagwa Welcomes Trump's Decision To Deport Zimbabweans Illegally Staying In America* PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has welcomed his American counterpart Donald Trump’s decision to deport illegal immigrants including some 545 Zimbabweans set to be shipped back. The 545 Zimbabweans are part of a November 2024 list that has 1,445,549 noncitizens expected to be deported from America in the coming months. They are on America’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) list of noncitizens who were delegated for removal last November. “The government of Zimbabwe supports the United States government’s decision to repatriate and return our Zimbabwean citizens who may have been residing in the US illegally,” said Mnangagwa. Millions of Zimbabweans have fled the country for Western nations, legally and illegally, over the past three decades because of the country’s worsening economy which has meant fewer jobs, poor remuneration and inhospitable working conditions. Millions are reported to be residing and working in South Africa illegally, while tens of thousands have opted for menial work in Australia, Dubai, Canada and on cruise ships. Trump, who was recently reelected as America’s President, is proceeding with his America First policy that has seen a raft of changes to the superpower’s foreign policy, humanitarian funding and international financial support across the globe. His administration has initiated raids in areas known to be populated by illegal immigrants, with reports indicating that over 500 are being nabbed daily. *NewZW* *Shrewd Chiwenga Declares Mnangagwa ‘The Boss’ Amid War Veterans’ Leadership Demands* Zimbabwe’s Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has reaffirmed his allegiance to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, describing him as “the boss” amidst growing calls from a faction of war veterans for Mnangagwa to step down and allow Chiwenga to take over the presidency. The Vice President’s statement comes at a critical time when ZANU PF is grappling with internal divisions and mounting pressure from some senior party members. This faction, which includes war veterans, has accused Mnangagwa of failing to fulfill promises made during his tenure and has been lobbying for a leadership change ahead of the next party congress. In a strongly-worded statement released on February 5, ZANU PF Secretary for Information and Publicity Ambassador Christopher Mutsvangwa condemned recent actions by Central Committee member Runesu Geza, who allegedly made “outlandish, treasonable, and egregious” remarks that violated party discipline and undermined the authority of the leadership. The statement emphasized that ZANU PF’s organs of discipline are actively addressing the situation and assured members of the party’s unity and commitment to upholding its revolutionary principles. It also reaffirmed the party’s loyalty to Mnangagwa and its focus on implementing the resolutions passed at the October 2024 Bulawayo Conference under Zimbabwe’s 2013 Constitution. Addressing the growing calls for his leadership, Chiwenga publicly dismissed any aspirations to take over the presidency, firmly stating, “President Mnangagwa is the boss, and as his Vice President, I remain loyal to his leadership. Our focus as a party is on unity and delivering on the promises we made to the people.” This declaration is expected to ease tensions within the party while reinforcing Mnangagwa’s grip on power. However, analysts suggest that the internal challenges ZANU PF faces could create vulnerabilities in the run-up to the 2028 general elections. The war veterans, traditionally seen as a cornerstone of ZANU PF’s support base, have expressed discontent with the party’s current trajectory. Their demands for leadership change, coupled with accusations of unfulfilled promises, highlight a growing disconnect between the party’s leadership and its core supporters. As the political climate remains tense, ZANU PF continues to emphasize its Vision 2030 agenda, which aims to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy. The party leadership has called on members to remain disciplined and united, warning against actions that could undermine the party’s stability. Whether this latest show of unity will quell dissent within ZANU PF remains to be seen, as all eyes are now on how the party will navigate this period of internal strife while maintaining its position as the dominant political force in Zimbabwe. *'Don't Call Me President' - Chiwenga Warns Majaira Jairosi* Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has strongly spoken against some people who referred to him as President, at the time when he was on acting capacity. Chiwenga said this at President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa’s interface with Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution. Apparently one such person who referred to Chiwenga as President is renowned political commentator Majaira Jairosi. “Be reminded that the President is the only one elected by the whole nation as a constituency,” warned Chiwenga. Jairosi apologized to Chiwenga for his utterances: “I apologise to VP Chiwenga for referring to him as “President Chiwenga” when he was acting as President. “Stone-hearted Mnangagwa who is known for not forgiving has forced him to make a statement to the effect that him, ED, is the only one elected. Elected by who?” Meanwhile, President Mnangagwa has urged all Zimbabweans to work together as one unit and avoid being divided. *Mayor Mafume's Luxurious Home Funded By Shady Deals, Disregard Of Council Regulations: Harare Commission Of Inquiry Says* A Commission of Inquiry, investigating the operations of Harare City Council, has said that Mayor Jacob Mafume may have engaged in underhanded activities to acquire his luxurious property in Belvedere, Harare. Mafume has found himself at the centre of controversy as the Commission of Inquiry continues to unearth irregularities within the City Council. The Mayor is under scrutiny after it emerged that his Belvedere residence, currently undergoing renovations, may have been funded through kickbacks from a company that had illegal dealings with the City Council. The property in Belvedere is being renovated and when NewZimbabwe.com visited the area constructors could be seen on the site. According to Mafume, the renovations have forced him to temporarily reside in Greendale and the Belvedere house to be turned into a student residence once complete.Harare Commission of Inquiry evidence leader Tapiwa Godzi avered that Mafume is not following Council laws and procedures in the renovations of the house. “We want you to bring an approved plan for that project because that project was not approved by Council. You did not make any application to undertake that project,” said Godzi. According to the City council regulations, individuals must pay application fees for the approval of plans, and development fees, and obtain approved plans to undertake any project. Mafume has denied the allegations insisting the project is legitimate and that there is a paper trail to prove that he did not use his position as Mayor to bypass procedures. “To my knowledge, everything is above board. I have a contractor that I have used. We have made the applications. I had advised her (wife) to follow all the procedures that are required together with the contractor and I remember her telling me that building inspectors have come,” said Mafume. HCC officials have been accused of using their positions at Town House to further their interest with some using it as a feeding trough at the expense of the ratepayers. Mafume is no exception having previously been implicated in corrupt activities. Godzi further claimed that Mafume pocketed US$ 200,000 from Quill Associates, a company that was supposed to implement Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). The funds were allegedly used to purchase the Belvedere property. He is also accused of insisting that the Council uses the company despite other cheaper options available. “Quill Associates was summarily dismissed in 2019 by management. I disagreed with management when they dismissed Quill Associates summarily and they said we would get a new ERP. It was dismissed because it had charged us US$75,000. “That (US$200,000 bribe) is a lie. I deny it,” he said. *NewZW* *Bulawayo Maid Killed, Body Dissolved in Acid* In a chilling case that has shocked the Bulawayo community, a man from Matsheumhlope suburb has appeared in court accused of aiding his friend in concealing a murder by dissolving the victim's body in hydrochloric acid. Cassy Chivako recently stood before Bulawayo High Court Judge Justice Ngoni Nduna, charged with being an accessory to murder. Chivako pleaded not guilty and was remanded in custody, with the case set to continue on 4 March. The gruesome events date back to 30 May 2020, when Chivako's friend, Paul Tawana Clifford Ngwenya, allegedly killed Tapelo Mazolo, who was employed as a maid at Ngwenya's residence. It is alleged that Ngwenya struck Mazolo with an iron pole, leading to her death. Prosecutors claim that after the murder, Chivako and Ngwenya devised a horrifying plan to dispose of the body. The two allegedly purchased 25 liters of hydrochloric acid from a local shop and a 200-liter drum from Ascot Mall. They then reportedly soaked Mazolo's body in the acid-filled drum in an attempt to dissolve it. The crime came to light on 10 June 2020, when Buzwani Ngwenya, a gardener at the same residence, entered the house to turn off some lights after noticing the deceased was absent. Inside, he detected a foul smell and immediately alerted the police. Detectives from Hillside Police Station and CID Homicide responded to the scene. Upon entering Mazolo's room, they discovered a blue drum in the en-suite bathroom containing a corrosive liquid and the deceased's body, wrapped in black plastic. The body was in an advanced state of decomposition. Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of Chivako and Ngwenya. While Chivako now faces trial, Ngwenya was admitted to Mlondolozi Special Institution after medical examinations revealed he suffers from a mental disorder. *DRC WAR: Trapped South African Troops Running Out Of Food, Water* Over 2,000 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) troops remain trapped in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with no clear plan for their rescue, following intense battles with M23 rebels that claimed the lives of 14 South African soldiers. The troops, stationed at Goma airport and Mubambiro, are surrounded by hostile forces and are rapidly running out of essential supplies, raising urgent concerns about their safety and survival. The death toll of SANDF soldiers rose to 14 over the weekend when another soldier succumbed to injuries sustained during clashes with M23 rebels between 23 and 27 January. These soldiers were among at least 773 people killed in and around Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, as fighting intensified between DRC government forces, backed by regional troops, and the M23 rebels, who are strongly supported by Rwanda. The SANDF troops, part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), are now stranded in their bases, with no clear exit strategy. Cargo aircraft were spotted flying from Waterkloof Air Force Base to Lubumbashi in the DRC and neighbouring Burundi over the weekend, sparking speculation that the SANDF might be planning to extract its troops via these routes. However, it remains unclear how the trapped soldiers would reach any collection point, as both bases are surrounded by M23 rebels and Rwandan forces. The SANDF insists that its troops are not hostages and have not been disarmed. However, defence experts suggest that while the soldiers retain their weapons, they may not carry them under a truce reached with M23. “The SANDF troops are not hostages, but their situation is precarious. They are surrounded, and their supplies are running low,” a defence expert told Daily Maverick. *US-Based Nigerian Doctor Commits Suicide After Court Orders Him To Pay $15,000 Maintenance To His Ex-Wife* A 36-year-old United States-based Nigerian cardiologist, Ikenna Erinne, has reportedly committed suicide after losing a child support case to his yet-to-be-identified ex-wife. The incident was said to have occurred on Sunday, January 26. It was gathered that the Anambra-state-born late doctor had a prolonged divorce battle with his estranged wife, including the custody of their children. He, however, lost the case after a US court ruled in favour of his ex-wife and ordered him to pay a monthly child support of $15,000. Confirming the incident in a post shared on X.com, a Nigerian-American, Clayton Udo, said the court’s verdict took a severe financial toll on him, leading to his tragic death. He wrote, “The abuse of African men in the USA must come to an end. In a deeply troubling case, Dr. Ikenna Erinne, an American-trained cardiologist, allegedly took his own life after an American court ordered him to pay his ex-wife $15,000 monthly, following a prolonged and contentious divorce case. This tragic incident highlights the systemic issues within the legal system that disproportionately affect African men.” Udo, who claimed to be an expert in psychological and mental abuse, revealed that the deceased had spent thousands of dollars in legal fees before the court’s verdict turned out in favour of his ex-wife. He further explained that the late doctor lost his license as a cardiologist to the case, adding that he died after shooting himself. He shot himself to death. He spent thousands of dollars in legal fees – wasted money. I am talking about a process that impoverishes you. You go to court and they take all your money. “He lost his license as a cardiologist in this case plus they slammed on him 15,000 dollars a month plus restricted access to his children,” he added. Another member of the Nigerian community in the United States, Obim Onujiogu, also confirmed Erinne’s death in a post on Facebook. Onujiogu described him as a compassionate healer and devoted family man. He, however, disclosed that his funeral would be held Monday in Maryland, the United States. *Critical Programmes To Continue Amid USAID Global Freeze* In a move aimed at mitigating the impact of the recent pause on US foreign assistance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has issued a waiver allowing for partial provision of aid in life-saving programmes. The pause, which took effect on January 20, was ordered by US President Donald Trump to allow for a review of US foreign aid programmes. In a statement on Wednesday, the US Embassy in Harare confirmed that some agencies, partners, and NGOs will be allowed to continue providing critical services, including life-saving medicine, medical care, food, shelter, and other essential assistance during the 90-day review period. *Rapist/robber Slapped With A 50-year Jail Sentence* 28-year-old rapist and robber from Bindura has been slapped with a 50-year jail term after he was found guilty of two counts of rape and another two of robbery. Innocent Chinake, who was operating as a tout at Bindura Showgrounds, flighted a fake advertisement claiming to be a businessman who wanted to employ shopkeepers. The advert attracted the attention of a 21-year-old woman from Glendale who met Chinake in Bindura before boarding a commuter omnibus heading to Tarlington Farm. After disembarking at the Gezi area, Chinake raped the young woman in a bush and robbed her of a cell phone, leaving her stranded in the bush. The victim was later assisted by a passer-by who helped her file a report at Bindura Rural Police Station. Chinake was at it again on January 12 when he approached a 22-year-old woman from Karara Village under Chief Bushu of Shamva promising her a job. He led her to the same crime scene before raping her and robbing her of cash and a cell phone. Chinake was convicted after a full trial this Monday. *ZBC* *US Top Diplomat Rubio Will Not Attend G20 Meeting In South Africa* U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will not attend an upcoming G20 meeting in South Africa, the top U.S. diplomat said on Wednesday, days after President Donald Trump threatened to cut off funding to the African country. South Africa will host a meeting of foreign ministers of the G20 group of countries from February 20-21 in Johannesburg. South Africa has the G20 presidency from December 2024 to November 2025. Trump said on Sunday, without citing evidence, that "South Africa is confiscating land" and "certain classes of people" were being treated "very badly". He said he would cut funding until the matter was investigated. President Cyril Ramaphosa defended South Africa's land policy after Trump's threat, saying the government had not confiscated any land and the policy was aimed at ensuring equitable public access to land. "South Africa is doing very bad things. Expropriating private property. Using G20 to promote solidarity, equality, & sustainability. In other words: DEI and climate change," Rubio said in his post on X, without giving details. Trump has complained about South Africa's land policy. South African-born billionaire Elon Musk, who is close to Trump, also accused South Africa, without evidence, of having "openly racist ownership laws", suggesting white people were the victims. The question of land ownership is highly politically charged in South Africa due to the legacy of the colonial and apartheid eras when Black people were dispossessed of their lands and denied property rights. White landowners still possess three quarters of South Africa's freehold farmland. This contrasts with 4% owned by Black people, who make up 80% of the population compared with about 8% for whites, according to the latest 2017 land audit. Partly in an effort to redress this imbalance, Ramaphosa signed a law last month allowing the state to expropriate land "in the public interest". The Trump administration has attempted to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion programs across the U.S. government. Rights groups say DEI programs help deal with inequities faced by marginalized groups. Trump calls DEI anti-merit. *Reuters* *United Nations Chief Warns Trump Against Ethnic Cleansing In Gaza* United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told President Donald Trump on Wednesday to avoid ethnic cleansing in Gaza after the U.S. leader proposed that Palestinians resettle elsewhere and the United States take over the war-torn enclave. "In the search for solutions, we must not make the problem worse. It is vital to stay true to the bedrock of international law. It is essential to avoid any form of ethnic cleansing," Guterres told a previously planned meeting of a U.N. committee. "We must reaffirm the two-state solution," he said. While Guterres did not mention Trump or his Gaza proposal during his address to the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters earlier that it would be a "fair assumption" to view Guterres' remarks as a response. Earlier on Wednesday Guterres spoke with Jordan's King Abdullah about the situation in the region, Dujarric said. Palestinian U.N. envoy Riyad Mansour, appointed by the Palestinian Authority, told the committee that Abdullah would deliver a coordinated message to Trump from Arab states when he visits Washington next week. "We have no country except Palestine. Gaza is a precious part of it. We are not going to leave Gaza," Mansour said. "There is no power on earth that can remove the Palestinian people from our ancestral homeland, including Gaza." "We want to rebuild it. We want to put it back together. And we ask all countries to help us in this endeavor," he said. "We are not looking for other homelands or other countries." The United Nations has long endorsed a vision of two states living side by side within secure and recognized borders. Palestinians want a state in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza Strip, all territory captured by Israel in a 1967 war with neighboring Arab states. "Any durable peace will require tangible, irreversible and permanent progress toward the two-state solution, an end to the occupation and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, with Gaza as an integral part," Guterres said. "A viable, sovereign Palestinian state living side-by-side in peace and security with Israel is the only sustainable solution for Middle East stability," he said. Israel withdrew soldiers and settlers from Gaza in 2005. The territory has been ruled by Hamas since 2007 but is still considered to be under Israeli occupation by the United Nations. Israel and Egypt control access. A deadly attack by Hamas militants on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, set off a war that has since laid waste to most of the territory. A deal on a ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas went into force on Jan. 19. *Reuters* *After Two Decades, Sean Williams Keeps On Running For Zimbabwe* At an age when most test cricketers have retired and only an elite few can maintain their excellence, 38-year-old Sean Williams is bucking the trend and soaring to new heights on the cusp of his 20th anniversary representing Zimbabwe. Upon the retirement of 21-year stalwart Jimmy Anderson last year, Bulawayo-born Williams became world cricket’s longest-tenured player and his game has only improved with time. As his side’s premier contemporary batsman, over 17 tests and 162 one-day internationals, Williams has averaged 45 and 38 respectively. Since 2020, those numbers skyrocket to 81 and 51 — and while captaining, 96 and 73. “I’ve found that my scoring shot decisions have become way more selective and the percentages have become a lot higher towards me than towards the bowler,” the left-hander told Reuters ahead of his Feb. 25 milestone. “I just became a little bit calmer as a batsman.” Promoted to the national team in 2005 after a politically-driven player exodus, facing a merciless South Africa was an eye-opening initiation for the then 18-year-old. “We were obviously young, we had no idea. We were just trying to survive 50 overs,” he reflected, noting that coaches of that era tried hard but could not overhaul a negative culture. “There was fear instilled elsewhere with the board. It just wasn’t good and it wasn’t nice cricket. There was no plan.” A two-day Cape Town massacre followed, and despite missing test selection Williams still finds humour in a 12th-man memory of teammate Brendan Taylor accidentally knocking himself out after making a low score. “He had his helmet on, but he smashed his head with the bat and then I got a fright,” Williams said. “I saw him go dizzy, hit the wall and then slide down the wall and lie down on the floor.” As a hopelessly-outgunned Zimbabwe retreated from the test arena, it would be eight more years before Williams made his red-ball debut. ‘WE’RE GOING TO GET FIRED’ The father-of-two says a positive game plan which reflects modern scoring trends has been welcomed by the playing group over the last decade, as has an off-field culture shift. After a string of disastrous results against Afghanistan last December, Zimbabwe Cricket managing director Givemore Makoni summoned the senior players to his office. “I thought, ‘jeez, we’re going to get fired here’, but he actually had a meeting of support,” Williams said. “That’s quite a sensitive thing. I mean, it’s something that people wouldn’t know about the board, supporting a player or supporting the seniors. “He’s helped me a lot throughout a lot of troubled times,” added Williams, who clubbed a career-best 154 in the next test. Zimbabwe’s next challenge comes against Ireland, who tour the African nation for three T20s, three ODIs and one test starting Februay 6. Williams earmarked 21-year-old Brian Bennett, who collected a century and a five-wicket haul in last year’s Boxing Day test against the Afghans, as his team’s most exciting prospect, alongside uncapped batsman Matthew Welch and paceman Takudzwa Chataira. Although the all-rounder has stepped away from T20 internationals, he hopes to regain fitness for the other legs, even if it means recusing himself from spin-bowling duties, having recently battled nerve pain stemming from a back injury. There is no end in sight for the Matabeleland product, however, as he highlights the 2027 ODI World Cup, which his country will co-host with South Africa and Namibia, as the focal point on Zimbabwe’s calendar. “I will be pushing it quite a bit then, but they’re managing us now so that’s a really amazing thing,” he said. *ZimLive* *'Not Enough For What Club Expects': 'Toothless' Arsenal Miss Out Again* Arsenal's first trophy hopes of the season were left in tatters by Newcastle - as fans were yet again left rueing their lack of a striker. The Gunners' 2-0 defeat at St James' Park meant a 4-0 aggregate loss in the Carabao Cup semi-final. Mikel Arteta's side are still in the Premier League title race, sitting six points behind Liverpool, and into the Champions League last 16. Fail to win either of those and the wait for a trophy since the 2020 FA Cup will go into a sixth season. "You need to be on the day very efficent. That is what takes you close to winning trophies and today we weren't," said boss Mikel Arteta. "Today is painful and tomorrow is a different day." Ex-Gunners centre-back Matt Upson, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, said: "For how good this team have been, for the squad that Mikel Arteta has built, they had had a lot of joy, but they haven't won anything. "That is not enough for what the club expects." Arsenal are the second top scorers in the Premier League this season with 49 goals - but they need a striker, a talisman up front. Newcastle, who do have one in Alexander Isak, had 17 shots to Arsenal's 34 across the two legs - and won 4-0. Usually football managers pretend they are happy anyway after a transfer window where they fail to recruit but Arteta admitted he was "disappointed" that they "haven't achieved it". Aston Villa rejected an approach from Arsenal for England striker Ollie Watkins in the week before the transfer window closed. Rumours linking them to Isak, Wolves' Matheus Cunha, Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko and even Brighton's Evan Ferguson went nowhere. That leaves them with Kai Havertz - who is more of an attacking midfielder - as their only real option at number nine. Havertz has done well with 15 goals in all competitions - but that is still not a lot to be the top scorer for a team fighting for multiple trophies. The German is joint 12th top scorer in the Premier League with nine, level with Liam Delap, whose Ipswich Town are in the relegation zone. Gabriel Jesus - the last striker (although he is also a wide player) they signed back in 2022 - is injured, as is star winger Bukayo Saka, who was their only 20-goal scorer last season. Arteta said in the build-up to Wednesday's game that Havertz might have to start every game for the rest of the season. His other options to play there, he said, are wingers Leandro Trossard, Raheem Sterling, Ethan Nwaneri and Gabriel Martinelli. Martinelli went off injured against Newcastle, Sterling has scored one goal for the club and Nwaneri is 17. Their last 20-goal-a-season striker was Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (29 goals in 2019-20). Since then Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette, Folarin Balogun and Eddie Nketiah are among the strikers to leave the club. Sweden's Isak, a reported target, showed them what they were missing on Wednesday. He ran the Gunners defence ragged, had a goal disallowed by the VAR for offside and hit the post leading to Jacob Murphy's opener. He had also scored in the first leg - one of his 19 goals this season. "They have been more efficient than us in the boxes and that is the difference in the tie," said Arteta afterwards. Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville, speaking on Sky Sports, said: "Isak on one side and Havertz on the other – just imagine what the sides would be if they swapped shirts. "It has shone a massive spotlight on the toothlessness of Arsenal's front players compared to Newcastle's." Former England midfielder Jamie Redknapp added: "Havertz does a good job up there but does he do a great job? No. "I almost feel sorry for him because of the stick but Arsenal have had wonderful nines and the fans will know he isn't in the class of the players they have had. "The defenders couldn't cope with Isak, it is like they have seen a ghost. That is what Arsenal don't have." While there may be grumbles about Havertz, the fact is he is their only player in double figures for goals in all competitions - and the only one who has a good amount of experience as a striker. "They haven't got a lot of numbers," said former Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given. "For Arsenal to achieve anything they have to keep Havertz fit and wrap him up in cotton wool. That is a big ask." "This Arsenal team need a trophy," said Neville. Arteta won the FA Cup just seven months after becoming Arsenal boss - beating Chelsea 2-1 on 1 August 2020 at Wembley. They have not won a trophy or reached a final since, losing three semi-finals - two in the EFL Cup and one in the Europa League. Despite that they have improved dramatically under the Spaniard. They have finished second in the Premier League in the past two seasons to Manchester City - and are currently second behind Liverpool. Arsenal had only finished second once between 2004-05 and 2022-23. The ex-Manchester City assistant boss led the Gunners back into the Champions League for the first time since 2016-17. Arteta has been backed in the transfer market - with the club having a net spend of about £500m since his arrival. Morale was high coming into this game after a 5-1 Premier League win over City to keep the pressure on Liverpool. Will this affect things? "Arsenal are out of the FA Cup and out of the League Cup, they can focus now on chasing down Liverpool, who are still in everything, and the Champions League," said ex-Newcastle winger Chris Waddle on BBC Radio 5 Live. "They will not be happy with their performance over the two legs, particularly tonight. However it could help them chase down Liverpool." *BBC*