Mikel Arteta
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta raised eyebrows after attributing part of his team’s 2-0 loss to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup to the match ball. The Gunners, who fired 23 shots but only managed three on target, were left frustrated as Newcastle secured their seventh straight win and took a step closer to ending their near seven-decade domestic trophy drought.
Speaking after the defeat, Arteta pointed out the difference between the Puma ball used in the Carabao Cup and the Nike ball used in the Premier League.
“We also kicked a lot of balls over the bar,” Arteta said. “It’s tricky because these balls fly a lot. There are details we can do better, but at the end, that’s gone. There’s no way back — it’s about the next game.”
When pressed further, Arteta elaborated: “It’s very different to the Premier League ball. It flies differently, and the grip is very different as well, so you have to adapt to that.”
This isn’t the first time a ball has been a talking point for Arteta. During his time as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City, Guardiola slammed the Mitre ball used in a 2017 Carabao Cup match, calling it “highly unacceptable.”
Newcastle’s Alexander Isak Steals the Show
On the pitch, Newcastle’s Alexander Isak proved the difference. The Swedish forward scored the opener and played a key role in Anthony Gordon’s second goal, a deflected shot that fell perfectly for the winger to finish.
Arteta acknowledged Isak’s impact, saying: “The ball arrived to him, and he created a lot of big chances. He was involved in both goals. Unfortunately, when you have real quality up front, they can make the difference, and they’re very clinical.”
Isak’s performance brought his tally to an impressive 14 goals in 15 games, further establishing him as one of Newcastle’s key players in their hunt for silverware.
Eddie Howe’s Praise for Isak and Injury Concerns
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe heaped praise on Isak but revealed the striker was managing a hamstring issue during the game.
“First half, he was electric,” Howe said. “He scored, but his general game was in a really good place. Unfortunately, he was feeling his hamstring a bit at half-time, so we had to manage him in the second half. That was a big blow to our performance.”
Howe expressed hope that Isak’s condition wouldn’t worsen, especially with the second leg at St. James’ Park scheduled for February 5.
“He’s so important, and we can’t risk losing him. Hopefully, he’s OK,” Howe added.
With the tie still open and Arsenal eager to bounce back, all eyes will be on the return leg as Newcastle look to secure a historic trip to the final.
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