‘All clubs play with same ball’ – EFL reveal Arsenal are ONLY team to complain about ball as Carabao Cup trolls Arteta
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THE EFL have responded to Mikel Arteta’s suggestion that the Carabao Cup balls “fly different”. Arsenal were beaten 2-0 at the Emirates by Newcastle in their semi-final first leg thanks to goals either side of the break from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon.
![[Mikel Arteta hit out at the ball used in the Carabao Cup match against Newcastle]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/www-youtube-com-watch-v-962380785.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
The Gunners had 23 shots and 11 corners that led to just three efforts on target, and also recorded an xG of 3.12 – the highest from a Prem club without scoring in any game this term. Boss Arteta appeared to suggest post-match that the Carabao Cup Puma ball was a factor in his side’s lack of efficiency in front of goal.
![[The Carabao Cup responded to Arteta with a 50 Cent meme]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-08-132221.png?strip=all&w=597)
The Spaniard said: “We kicked a lot of balls over the bar, and it's tricky that these balls fly a lot so there's details that we can do better. “It's very different to a Premier League ball, and you have to adapt to that because it flies different. When you touch it the grip is very different as well, so you adapt to that.”.
But an EFL spokesperson said: “As is required throughout the professional game, the Puma ball used in this season’s Carabao 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.
“In addition to the Carabao Cup, the same ball has been successfully used in other major European leagues, including both Serie A and LaLiga and our three divisions in the EFL. “All Clubs play with the same ball, and we have received no further comments of this nature following any of the previous 88 fixtures which have taken place in this season’s Carabao Cup.”.
