Mikel Arteta suggested the Carabao Cup match ball played a role in Arsenal’s 2-0 semi-final defeat to Newcastle – despite the fact both teams used the same ball
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been savagely mocked by fans after blaming the match ball for his team’s 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup.
The Gunners were comfortably beaten at the Emirates Stadium, as the visitors secured a healthy advantage to take back to St James’ Park for the semi-final second leg. Speaking after the game, Arteta said he was confident his team has what it takes to overturn the deficit.
But he then bizarrely claimed the Puma ball used in the competition was partly at fault for their loss, because of its differing behaviour from the balls used in the Premier League contributing to his forwards’ wayward finishing, reports the Mirror.
Arteta said: “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. It’s very different to a 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 adapt to that.”
Fans of both Arsenal and Newcastle plus neutral supporters slammed the Spanish coach over his excuse – with many pointing out that the Magpies had to play with the same ball and seemingly had no problem sticking it in the net. And some compared Arteta to sacked Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag – renowned for his inventive excuses after a defeat.
One Arsenal fan posted on X: “Why is he blaming the ball? Didn’t Newcastle score with the same ball? Arteta just keeps giving Ten Hag vibes as days goes on.” Another commented: “Newcastle didn’t play with same ball?”
A third fan sick of excuses said: “How do we keep getting away with this!!! We blame the refs, the ball and anything else in between when the real issue is that we lack a clinical front three.” And another posted: “Excuses as usual…! Such arrogant Mikel..!”
One Newcastle fan said: “Absolutely no excuses, as they would of been given the balls to use in training as well. Set piece FC couldn’t create a thing last night.” While another simply said: “Pathetic.”
One United fan, not taking too kindly to the Ten Hag comparison, posted: “Ten Hag in 2 seasons: £546m spent, 3 finals, 2 trophies. Mikel Arteta 6 seasons : £700m spent, 1 trophy. But according to media and pundits: Arteta is a genius. Ten Hag was a failure.”
Meanwhile, a Liverpool fan chipped in: “I’ve never seen a coach that gives more excuses. Everything is an excuse and his mentality is now affecting the fans who always seem to find anything else to blame besides the team.”
In the first leg, Newcastle star man Alexander Isak scored and contributed to an Anthony Gordon goal, leaving Toon fans ecstatic over the lead.
Arteta remained optimistic, though, saying: “It’s just half-time. When I see the team play, and how we deal with a lot of situations and play against a very good team I must say I have full belief that we can go out there and do it.
“If you look at what both teams produced and the dominance it’s not the result that reflects the story of the game but the reality is they were super efficient with the chances they had and we weren’t.”
Arsenal are reportedly keen on adding Isak to their ranks, but a hefty £150m valuation has been placed on him by his current club. Arteta also weighed in on Isak’s influence during the game.
He said: “I don’t think he created or had any big chances, but he was involved in both goals unfortunately with the two times that he had the ball in the box. That’s what you have – the real quality up front and they can make a difference. They’re very clinical.”
Arsenal’s recent performances have sparked discussions about the need for a new striker, following a lacklustre draw with Brighton and a loss to Newcastle. With an FA Cup showdown against Manchester United on the horizon, the pressure is mounting.
When quizzed about potential fatigue in his squad, Arteta said: “If we lose the game, or draw the game, it’s going to be down to that. If we win and today we score three that we should have scored, the story would have been different.
“It’s incredible – they’re tireless and how they try in every single action, but I don’t even want to talk about that. We have so many games coming up, big ones, and the team really wants it.”