Mikel Arteta makes 'excuse' claim after blaming ball for Arsenal Carabao Cup defeat
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Mike Arteta will not use the ball Arsenal and Manchester United play with this weekend as excuse for any issues the Gunners face in the FA Cup. The Premier League giants face off in third round of the domestic cup competition, with a row already taking place over United's ticket allocation for the game. Arteta, meanwhile, will be hoping to see his side bounce back at the Emirates after suffering their first home defeat of the season against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup.
The Gunners' lack of clinical finishing came under scrutiny on that occasion as Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon showed some sharpshooting to hand the Magpies a win. Arteta lamented his side's wastefulness but also acknowledged the difficulty his side had in adjusting to a different ball used for the game.
The north London side will have to adjust once again against Rubin Amorim's United side. FA Cup ball providers, Mitre, have produced a special edition ball for the match to honour defending champions United. The clash will see the two sides will play with the FA Cup Ultimax Pro Winners ball. No other tie will see the same ball but Arteta would appear to be unphased.
"Every ball is different, different flight, different feeling," he said. "It is not an excuse. We adapt to that. I'd never use it as an excuse.". The Spaniard appeared more frustrated with his side's ability to adjust to the Puma ball used in the Carabao Cup clash with Newcastle. Arteta suggested the ball on that occasion saw them send more shots skyward.
