Mikel Arteta voiced his frustration with the ball used during Arsenal's 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final, suggesting that the Puma ball presented challenges for his players. The match, which saw goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon, gave Newcastle a strong advantage heading into the second leg. However, Arteta's focus shifted to the quality of the ball, which he claimed was difficult to adjust to, especially since it differed from the Nike ball used in Premier League matches.
After the loss, Arteta was clear in his assessment, stating, "I think we kicked a lot of the balls over the bar and it is tricky, this ball flies a lot." He continued by highlighting the significant difference between the Puma ball and the one his team is accustomed to, adding, "It is just different, very different to the Premier League ball and you have to adapt to that because it flies differently." Arteta's comments reflected a sense of frustration with what he perceived as a factor outside of his team's control.
The manager was not alone in his concern, as his players, who are used to playing with the Premier League's Nike ball, struggled to adjust to the different grip and flight characteristics of the Puma ball. According to Arteta, the ball's erratic behavior contributed to several missed opportunities, particularly when Arsenal players were unable to find the target with shots they would typically expect to convert.
Despite these challenges, Arteta emphasized the importance of moving forward, as there is no way to change the outcome of a game once it has concluded. He acknowledged that his players needed to adapt to the ball's characteristics and focus on preparing for future games. "It’s just one of those things," he said. "We need to move on and focus on what’s ahead."
In response to Arteta’s comments, the English Football League (EFL) quickly defended the quality of the ball, stressing that the Puma ball used in the EFL Cup is tested and meets FIFA's strict standards. An EFL spokesperson confirmed that the ball adheres to the FIFA Quality Pro standard, stating, "As is required throughout the professional game, the Puma ball used in this season’s EFL Cup and in EFL competition since 2021-22 is tested in accordance with the FIFA Quality Programme for Footballs and meets the FIFA Quality Pro standard."
The EFL also noted that the same ball is used in other top European leagues such as Serie A and LaLiga, where no similar complaints had been reported. The statement emphasized that all clubs involved in the EFL Cup use the same ball, and no issues had been raised by any of the 88 matches played so far this season.
While the EFL's statement aimed to assure stakeholders of the ball's quality, Arteta's remarks have sparked a discussion around the potential impact of equipment on match outcomes. Adapting to different balls, especially in high-stakes competitions like the EFL Cup, can be a significant challenge for players. The Arsenal manager's comments highlight the often-overlooked role of match equipment in performance and the difficulties faced by players when dealing with unfamiliar tools.
Looking ahead, Arteta has stressed the importance of maintaining focus and preparing for upcoming matches. With the second leg of the EFL Cup semi-final at the Emirates Stadium just around the corner, the Arsenal manager will be hoping his players can put the frustrations of the first leg behind them and build on their experience. For now, however, the focus remains on continuing the season’s campaign and ensuring his team is ready for whatever challenges lie ahead.
