Arteta says the Carabao Cup BALL contributed to Arsenal’s downfall against Newcastle | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta claimed the Carabao Cup match ball played a part in Arsenal’s defeat to Newcastle, saying the visitors adapted better to its flight and movement.

Arsenal were made to pay for several missed opportunities as they succumbed to a 2-0 first leg defeat, leaving the Gunners with a mountain to climb in next month’s return leg.

Arteta admitted his side must be more clinical but also believes they were not helped by the match ball.

“It’s just different,” Arteta revealed.

“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.”

Both teams now have an usually long wait for the return leg which isn’t scheduled to take place until February 5th.

Arteta is hopeful his squad will be in a much stronger state by then.

“Hopefully yes, that we will have more players back and we will have more options and the freshness that we’re going to need in that period,” he added.

“We play so many important games so I hope so.”