Arteta Criticizes EFL Cup Ball After Arsenal's Defeat to Newcastle

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta criticized the EFL Cup match ball after his team's 2-0 defeat to Newcastle, citing its different flight and grip.

Mikel Arteta has attributed Arsenal's 2-0 defeat to Newcastle in the EFL Cup semi-final first leg to the team's struggle to adapt to the match ball. Arteta suggested that the ball used in the EFL Cup was “very different” from the one used in the Premier League, which may have affected his team's performance.

The Gunners were beaten 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, with goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon giving Newcastle a commanding lead in the tie. The defeat puts pressure on Arsenal to produce a strong comeback in the second leg at St James' Park in February.

Despite creating numerous scoring opportunities, Arsenal were unable to capitalize on their chances, ultimately succumbing to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Newcastle. The Gunners recorded six big chances from 23 shots, but only three of those efforts were on target. Arsenal's finishing woes were evident, with many of their chances sailing over the crossbar.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta offered some insight into his team's struggles in front of goal, suggesting that the difference in balls used in the competition may have played a role. When asked what he could do to remedy his players' poor finishing, Arteta replied, “Nothing, just try and give them tips of what we can do better.” He further elaborated, “I think we kicked a lot of the balls over the bar and it is tricky that this ball flies a lot. We discussed that as well, so there are details we can do better.”

Mikel Arteta further expressed his concerns about the EFL Cup match ball, highlighting the differences between it and the Premier League ball. “It's just different. Very different to the Premier League ball and you have to adapt to that,” Arteta explained. He also noted the distinct flight and grip of the ball, saying, “It flies different and when you touch it the grip is very different, so you adapt to that.”

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe did not share Arteta's concerns about the match ball. Instead, Howe focused on the positives, hailing his team's performance as a “big step” forward. With the second leg scheduled for February, Howe's side will look to build on their 2-0 advantage and secure a spot in the EFL Cup final.