Balls up. Arsenal fail to become familiar with the Puma ball

January 9 – After dropping the primary leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals 2-0 to Newcastle United, Arsenal boss, Mikel Arteta got here up with the bizarre excuse that the match balls could have been the trigger for his staff’s loss.

Within the post-match interview, Arteta was requested in regards to the wasted goalscoring alternatives and whether or not it was turning into a psychological downside he replied: “Nothing, simply attempt to present them, give them suggestions of what we will do higher,” he stated. “I feel we kicked loads of the balls over the bar and it’s tough: this ball flies so much.

“We talk about that as properly so there are particulars we will do higher. However on the finish, that’s gone. That is no manner again, it’s in regards to the subsequent recreation. That’s our world.”

The ball used within the English Soccer League Cup (EFL) is provided by Puma versus Nike who present match balls within the Premier League. When Arteta was pushed for extra particulars on his ideas of the ball he stated: “It’s simply completely different, very completely different to the Premier League ball and you need to adapt to that as a result of it flies in a different way. Whenever you contact it, the grip could be very completely different as properly and you need to adapt.”

As excuses go this can be a new one as golf equipment are given balls to coach with earlier than EFL Cup fixtures.

The EFL has responded to Arteta’s criticism however circuitously issuing a press release saying, “As is required all through the skilled recreation, the Puma ball used on this Carabao Cup and in EFL competitors since 2021-22 is examined in accordance with the FIFA High quality Programme for Footballs and meets the FIFA High quality Professional customary.

“Along with the Carabao Cup, the identical ball has been efficiently utilized in different main European leagues, together with each Serie A and La Liga in addition to our three divisions within the EFL.

“All golf equipment play with the identical ball, and we have now obtained no additional feedback of this nature following any of the earlier 88 fixtures which have taken place on this season’s Carabao Cup.”

With the second leg of the semi-final scheduled for February 5 at St. James’ Park, Arteta and Arsenal may have loads of time to follow with the ball in an try to overturn the 2-0 deficit.

Contact the author of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1736402485labto1736402485ofdlr1736402485owedi1736402485sni@o1736402485fni1736402485