Home » Mikel Arteta on Carabao Cup ball: “It flies a lot”

Mikel Arteta on Carabao Cup ball: “It flies a lot”

Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal’s failure to adapt to the Carabao Cup ball was a factor to their 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United.

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Arteta blames Carabao Cup ball behind Arsenal’s defeat

The Gunners absorbed a first-leg, semifinal tie against Eddie Howe’s side at the Emirates Stadium.

Goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon have put Newcastle in a comfortable position ahead of the second leg on February 5.

Arsenal controlled 70% of possession and took 23 shots, but only three were on target. 

Arteta mentioned the change in the ball was a factor when asked if the missed chances affected his players psychologically.

The Carabao Cup uses a Puma football, in contrast to the Nike ball used in the Premier League.

“Just try and show them, give them tips of what we can do better,” Areta said.

“I think we kicked a lot of the balls over the bar and it is tricky: this ball flies a lot. We discuss that as well so there are details we can do better. But at the end, that’s gone. This is no way back, it is about the next game. That is our world.”

“It is just different, very different to the Premier League ball and you have to adapt to that because it flies differently. When you touch it, the grip is very different as well and you have to adapt.”

On the brink of defeat

Arsenal now face a tough challenge when they travel to St James’ Park for the second leg next month.

They will play Manchester United in the FA Cup on January 12 and Tottenham in the Premier League on January 15.

Despite the challenge, Arteta remains fully supportive of his players.

“We have to be disappointed as it’s another result that we wanted, but that’s the reality,” he said. “I have full belief. I have seen my team playing against them – I believe we can do it.”

“It’s just half-time [in the tie]. When I see the team play, and how we deal with a lot of situations and play against a very good team, I must say I have full belief that we can go out there and do it.”