Mikel Arteta, Arsenal's manager, attributed part of his team's 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg to the characteristics of the match ball. 
Speaking after the game at the Emirates Stadium on January 7, 2025, Arteta expressed concerns about the Puma-manufactured ball, stating, "We kicked a lot of the balls over the bar, and it's tricky because this ball flies a lot."
Arteta elaborated further, saying, "It's just different, very different to a Premier League ball, and you have to adapt to that because it flies differently. When you touch it, the grip is very different as well." These comments came after Arsenal struggled to convert opportunities, with only three of their 23 attempts on target.
The defeat was sealed by goals from Newcastle’s Alexander Isak in the 36th minute and Anthony Gordon in the 50th minute, giving the visitors a commanding lead heading into the second leg. Reflecting on the result, Arteta admitted, "There are details that we can do better. But, in the end, that's gone. You know, this is no way back. It's about the next game, and that's the reality of our world."
Arsenal will now focus on overturning the two-goal deficit when they face Newcastle at St James' Park in the second leg on February 5, aiming to keep their Carabao Cup hopes alive.
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