Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta attributed his side's 2-0 Carabao Cup loss to Newcastle to struggles adapting to the competition's ball. Despite missed chances, Arteta remains confident about the second leg, emphasizing the team’s ability to recover and adapt. Arsenal needs a strong performance to overcome the deficit at St. James' Park.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta remains optimistic about reaching the Carabao Cup final despite a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United in the semi-final’s first leg. However, he highlighted the challenges posed by the competition's unique ball, made by Puma, which differs significantly from the Nike ball used in the Premier League.
Arteta commented on the difficulty Arsenal players faced adapting to the ball, noting, “These balls fly a lot, and their grip is very different. We kicked several over the bar.” Despite this, he emphasized focusing on the upcoming second leg, stating, “It’s just half-time. I believe we can turn it around.”
The Gunners dominated possession with 23 shots but only managed three on target. Missed opportunities proved costly, including Gabriel Martinelli hitting the post and Kai Havertz misfiring.
Interestingly, Arsenal had excelled with the same ball earlier in the competition, scoring 11 goals across wins against Bolton, Preston, and Crystal Palace. Statistics show their shooting accuracy in the Carabao Cup (53%) aligns closely with their Premier League (52%) and Champions League (58%) performances.
Arteta's observation of the ball’s impact highlights the nuances players face when switching between competitions. Arsenal must adapt quickly as they prepare for the decisive second leg at St. James’ Park.
The Gunners, needing at least two goals to stay in the competition, face a daunting task but remain confident in their ability to bounce back.
