Mikel Arteta makes BIZARRE ball excuse after 2-0 loss to Newcastle United in Carabao Cup
Mikel Arteta makes weird 'ball' claim after defeat against Newcastle United in first leg of EFL Cup semi-final.
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Mikel Arteta (Image courtesy: X)
Arsenal suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Newcastle United last night in the first leg of the semi-final. After the defeat, Mikel Arteta issued a bizarre excuse, which left the world stunned. The Spanish manager claimed a certain ‘prop’ for the game proved to be a major difference point for Arsenal.
With 23 shots taken, Arsenal definitely dominated the game, but it wasn’t enough. Gabriel Martinelli hammering the post in the first half followed by Kai Havertz’s wayward header were two of the easiest chances squandered away. After Arsenal’s defeat, Mikel Arteta pointed out that the ball made by Puma for the competition exhibited more bounce than the Premier League ball manufactured by Nike.
Nothing, just try and show them and give them tips of what we can do better. I think we kicked a lot of the balls over the bar and it’s tricky that this ball flies a lot. We discussed that as well, so there are details that we can do better. It’s just different, it’s just very different to the Premier League ball, and you have to adapt to that because it flies different. When you touch it, the grip is very different as well, so you have to adapt to that.
Mikel Arteta said on the post-match presser after Arsenal’s defeat against Newcastle United
Alexander Isak opened the scoring for Newcastle United in the 37th minute. Despite coming mighty close on quite a few occasions, Arsenal failed to capitalize. Anthony Gordon secured the bragging rights of the game in the 51st minute.
Mikel Arteta was not happy with the Carabao Cup match ball in Arsenal's 2-0 loss to Newcastle ? pic.twitter.com/TownWD51Ty
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) January 8, 2025
Both the teams will be meeting for the second leg of the competition in St. James’ Park where Arsenal will be hopeful of pulling things back. If not, Arteta and his team will miss out challenging for another trophy, just like previous seasons.
Bruno Guimares will return for Newcastle United after missing the first leg encounter
Bruno Guimares, who was suspended for the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final, showed his love for the club with a celebration post. While serving the suspension, Guimares was seen cheering on the win from home with his daughter.
Having picked up two yellow cards in the earlier rounds of the competition, he was not available for the first-leg of the semi-final. With him returning to the line-up, the club can hope to safely secure the finals berth of the Carabao Cup.
The Magpies will be locking horns with Bromley in the 3rd round of FA Cup followed by a clash against the Wolves in the Premier League. Currently placed in the 5th position, Newcastle United have secured 10 wins from the 20 games that they have played in Premier League. They will be hopeful of keeping their momentum intact.
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Rohit Ganguly
(509 Articles Published)