Mikel Arteta may not have been impressed with the ball used in Arsenal's defeat to Newcastle United, but the English Football League has no doubts about the quality of his equipment.
Arsenal suffered a 2-0 defeat in the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final on Tuesday as Newcastle grabbed the lead with goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon.
Arteta seemingly blamed the Puma ball during the game at the Emirates Stadium, suggesting his players were struggling to adapt to the differences compared to Nike's Premier League offering.
“I think we have kicked a lot of balls over the bar and it is difficult, this ball flies a lot,” said the Arsenal manager.
“We discuss that too, so that there are details that we can do better. But in the end that is gone. This is not a way back, it is about the next match.”
“That's our world. It's just different, very different to the Premier League ball and you have to adapt to that because it flies differently. When you touch it the grip is also very different and you have to adapt.”
@NUFC takes a two-goal lead back to St. James' Park! #EFL | #CarabaoCup pic.twitter.com/H0fudscwMZ
— Carabao Cup (@Carabao_Cup) January 7, 2025
However, the EFL quickly responded by ensuring the quality of the ball has been proven and tested in multiple competitions in Europe.
“As required in the professional game, the Puma ball used in this season's EFL Cup and in the EFL competition since 2021-2022 is tested in accordance with the FIFA Football Quality Program and complies with FIFA Quality Pro standard,” said an EFL statement. on Wednesday.
“In addition to the EFL Cup, the same ball has been used successfully in other major European competitions, including both Serie A and LaLiga and our three divisions in the EFL.
“All clubs are playing with the same ball and we have not received any further comments of this nature following the previous 88 matches that have taken place in the EFL Cup this season.”
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