Mikel Arteta oddly attributes Arsenal’s costly loss to Newcastle to issues with the ball.

Mikel Arteta has suggested that the ball may have played a role in Arsenal’s 2-0 loss to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup semi-final at the Emirates on Tuesday.

The 42-year-old manager was frustrated by the result, which leaves Arsenal in a challenging position ahead of the second leg at St James’ Park on February 5.

Alexander Isak opened the scoring for Newcastle in the 37th minute, with Anthony Gordon adding a second goal early in the second half, much to the joy of the traveling supporters. Arsenal managed 23 shots during the game but only three were on target. Gabriel Martinelli hit the post, while William Saliba and Kai Havertz missed clear chances.

In his post-match press conference, Arteta pointed out that the Carabao Cup ball, manufactured by Puma, might have contributed to Arsenal’s wastefulness in front of goal.

“We kicked a lot of balls over the bar, and these balls can be tricky as they fly differently, so there are details we can improve,” Arteta explained. “But that’s done now—there’s no way back. It’s about focusing on the next game, and I’m confident in the team’s ability to turn things around.”

When pressed on the difference between the Carabao Cup ball and the Premier League ball, which is made by Nike, Arteta described the Puma ball as “very different.” He explained, “It flies differently, and the grip feels different, so you have to adapt.”

Arsenal now prepares to face Manchester United in the FA Cup third round on Sunday, where they will play with yet another different ball, the Mitre Ultimax Pro. Arteta will likely ensure his players familiarize themselves with it in training to avoid any further com

plications.