Arsenal Salahkan Kualan Bola Dalam Kekalahan Lawan Newcastle Di Carabao Cup

Arsenal lost in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semifinal against Newcastle (doc. Carabao Cup).

JAKARTA - Mikel Arteta revealed that Arsenal's failure to adapt to the Carabao Cup was a factor in the 0-2 defeat in the first leg semifinal against Newcastle United, Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at the Emirates Stadium.

Goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon put Eddie Howe's team in a position ahead of the second leg on February 5, 2025.

The Gunners squandered many chances and ended with a goal expectation figure of 3.12 - the highest score by the Premier League team in any game without scoring a goal this season.

Arteta then referred to the change in the ball according to tournament regulations by using the Puma ball instead of the Nike ball that is usually used.

He focused the ball factor when asked about psychological problems that may arise from the large number of chances.

"Just try to show them, give them a tip about what we can do better."

"I thought we kicked a lot of balls past the crossbar and it was difficult. This ball flew a lot."

"We also discussed it so that there are details we can do better. But, in the end, it's over."

"This is not a way back, it's about the next game. That's our world," said Arteta.

"It's (the ball) different, very different from the Premier League ball and you have to adapt to it. The ball floats in different ways."

"When you touch it, the handle is also very different and you have to adapt," he said again.

Arteta was part of Manchester City's coaching staff when Pep Guardiola complained about the ball after the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match in October 2017.

Guardiola claims scoring with the ball was a miracle. At that time, the ball used belonged to Mitre.

Manchester City finally beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-1 on penalties after a goalless draw at normal time.

The EFL then issued a statement following Guardiola's criticism.

"The Mitre Bola used in the Carabao Cup this season has the same technical specifications as the balls used in the EFL (British second level) and EFL Trophy."

"Everything is tested according to the FIFA Quality Program for Football and meets the FIFA Quality Pro standards."

"All balls used in professional play are required to meet this standard," reads the EFL statement.

Arsenal still have a chance to turn things around when they travel to Newcastle's headquarters in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semifinals next month.