Arsenal’s 2–0 home defeat to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup semifinal left more questions than answers. After his side tallied 23 shots and missed repeatedly, Mikel Arteta stunned many by describing the Puma match ball as “tricky.” He believed its flight and grip differed greatly from the Nike ball in Premier League games.
Arteta explained, “I think we kicked a lot of the balls over the bar and it’s tricky that this ball flies a lot.” He added, “It is just different, very different to the Premier League ball, and you have to adapt to that because it flies differently.” Some fans interpreted his words as a convenient explanation for Arsenal’s wastefulness. Others argued that every player should cope with similar game-day conditions.
Beneath the Surface: The Science and the Debate
The English Football League was quick to respond. They insisted that the ball meets FIFA Quality Pro standards and that all clubs use the same design. They also noted that no previous matches in this year’s competition drew similar criticism. Still, Arteta’s remarks echo past concerns from Pep Guardiola, who once described a previous Carabao Cup ball as too light and unpredictable.
Loughborough University’s Professor Andy Harland offered a measured perspective. He said differences in construction can affect flight, and top-level athletes often notice even minor variations. According to Harland, “If he was saying his players noted a difference, then that doesn’t surprise me.”
Despite the criticism and debate, Arteta maintained he wasn’t trying to shift responsibility away from Arsenal’s finishing struggles. He admitted that his players must learn to cope more swiftly with any ball’s quirks. The reality is that Newcastle’s superior accuracy made a greater impact on the scoreboard.
Looking ahead, Arsenal must adjust before the second leg at St James’ Park. No matter the design, color, or branding, the Gunners will have to find the net if they want to overturn the deficit. Another conversation about the ball may draw headlines, but only goals will change the outcome.
