Mikel Arteta blames Carabao Cup ball for Arsenal’s loss to Newcastle

Arsenal coach, Mikel Arteta has said the match ball used in his side’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg tie against Newcastle contributed to their 2-0 loss.

Vanguard reports that Newcastle took a giant stride towards the League Cup final as goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon earned them a vital lead on Tuesday.

Arsenal now have a mountain to climb when the sides meet for the second leg on February 5 if they are to progress to meet either Tottenham or Liverpool in the final and Arteta believes that among other factors, the match ball contributed to his sides many missed chances.

Arsenal had 23 shots but managed to get only three on target.

“We also kicked a lot of balls over the bar, and it’s tricky that these balls fly a lot, so there’s details that we can do better.” Arteta said when quizzed about the many missed chances.

Pressed by reporters about the issues with the ball, he said “It’s just different, it’s very different to the Premier League ball and you have to adapt to that. It flies different. When you touch it the grip is very different as well so you have to adapt to that.”

Unlike the Premier League that uses a Nike ball, the Carabao Cup uses a Puma ball.

The Magpies have never previously won the competition and have had to wait since 1969 to celebrate any major trophy.

Arsenal under Arteta have not won the Carabao Cup.