New Delhi: Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, strongly believes that the team can reach the Carabao Cup final but his players must negotiate the “tricky” ball that is used in the tournament. In the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final, the Gunners were beaten 2-0 by Newcastle United with both Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon scoring for the visitors.
In the game, Arsenal had 23 shots but only three landed on target with Gabriel Martinelli striking the post whilst, Kai Havertz headed an easy chance wide. Reflecting on the game Arteta pointed out that there were many shots that flew over the bar and that the ball used does “fly a lot” which are the details the team can work on.
However, the Spanish manager did say that he wouldn’t ask his team to change their approach. Arteta maintained that there was no point on retrospection and was more focused on the game at hand.
Mikel Arteta says the ball used in the League Cup is very different to what his players are used to… pic.twitter.com/Nw0JQ3RIAP
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 8, 2025
While in the Premier League, the ball used is made by Nike, in the Carabao Cup, the competition deploys the use of balls manufactured by Puma. Arteta mentioned that the grip of the ball feels different which is why, teams need to adapt to the ball. While they may have lost against the Magpies, what can be pointed out obviously is that they have performed well so far in the tournament.
Do statistics support Mikel Arteta’s claims?
In their last three games at the EFL Cup this season, the Gunners had scored 11 times. Their performance doesn’t suggest that they have had any particular problem with the ball so far. Against Bolton in the opening game, they scored 5-1, before winning 3-0 against Preston and 3-2 against Crystal Palace to reach the final four of the tournament.
Their shooting statistics in the EFL Cup replicate their performance in the Premier League and Champions League, which is played with ball made by Adidas. Prior to Tuesday’s semifinal game, Arsenal’s 27 shots of 51 were on target in the EFL Cup, at an average of 53%.
In the Premier League, of the 197 shots from Arsenal 102 have been on target which comes at an average of 52% while in the Champions League, 33 of the 57 shots have been on target, coming at an average of 58%. It clearly indicates that it was just one off-night for the Gunners.
Carabao Cup responds to Mikel Arteta’s claim
https://t.co/P6dZTLnUCo pic.twitter.com/cd5hHAOSZI
— Carabao Cup (@Carabao_Cup) January 8, 2025
The official handle of Carabao Cup have trolled Arteta for his comments on the ball with a meme of rapper 50 Cent. The second leg of the semifinal will played next month at St James Park. Arsenal are two goals deficit and should the two teams be tied on aggregate goals, the result will be decided through penalties.
After Tuesday’s loss to Newcastle United, Mikel Arteta felt that Arsenal need to learn how to get around the ‘tricky’ ball that is used to the Carabao Cup. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
