Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has seemingly blamed the match ball for his side’s 2-0 defeat to Newcastle in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.
The Gunners boss pointed to the difference between the Puma ball used in the Carabao Cup and the Nike ball used in Premier League matches after his side were beaten on home soil by Eddie Howe’s team.
Arsenal managed just three shots on target from 23 attempts during Tuesday night’s defeat, prompting Arteta to claim: “We kicked a lot of balls over the bar, and it’s tricky that these balls fly a lot.”
When pressed further about the ball issue, Arteta elaborated: “It’s just different. It’s very different to the Premier League ball and you have to adapt to that.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has seemingly blamed the match ball for his side’s 2-0 defeat to Newcastle in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final
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The Arsenal manager specifically highlighted the ball’s handling characteristics, stating: “It flies different… when you touch it, the grip is very different as well so you have to adapt to that.”
Despite his focus on the ball, Arteta acknowledged the need to move forward, with Arsenal left with plenty to do as they look to reach the final
He said: “But at the end that’s gone, there’s no way back it’s about the next game and that’s our world, the reality.”
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Arsenal were beaten 2-0 by Newcastle on Tuesday night with Alexander Isak (pictured) and Anthony Gordon both on target
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This is not the first time a manager has complained about the Carabao Cup ball.
During Arteta’s time as assistant manager at Manchester City, Pep Guardiola criticised the competition’s ball.
Guardiola branded the Mitre ball used in a Carabao Cup last-16 tie against Wolves in October 2017 as “highly unacceptable.”
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Newcastle striker Alexander Isak proved decisive in the match, scoring one goal and playing a key role in the second – which was scored by Anthony Gordon.
The Sweden international has been strongly linked with a move to Arsenal over the past 12 months amid his dazzling form.
And Arteta acknowledged Isak’s impact, saying: “The ball arrived to him, he created and had a lot of big chances. He was involved in both goals as well.”
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The Arsenal manager also praised Newcastle’s clinical edge by saying: “Unfortunately the two times he had the ball in the box and that’s what happens when you have real quality up front.”
Isak continued his impressive form, notching his 14th goal in 15 games.
Newcastle manager Howe expressed concern over Isak’s fitness following the match.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was left frustrated following his side’s 2-0 defeat to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night
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“First half he was electric, I thought he played really well,” said Howe. “He scored but I just thought his general game was in a really good place.”
The striker experienced hamstring discomfort at half-time, forcing Newcastle to manage his minutes.
Howe emphasised Isak’s importance to the team ahead of the second leg at St James’ Park on February 5: “He’s so important, we can’t risk losing him. Hopefully he’s OK.”
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