Source: REUTERS/Ian Walton
[Saba Sports News] In the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final, Arsenal lost 0-2 at home to Newcastle United. Notably, Arsenal missed several good opportunities in this match. However, after the game, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta commented on the match ball used in the EFL Cup. Arteta pointed out that the Puma ball used in the EFL Cup is different from the Nike ball used in the Premier League. He stated, “The EFL Cup ball is very different from the Premier League ball; you have to adapt to the ball because its flight path is different. When you touch the ball, your control over it is also different, so you have to get used to it.” In response, the EFL issued a statement saying that the Mitre ball used in this season’s League Cup has the same technical specifications as the football used in the Sky Bet EFL and Checkatrade Trophy. All footballs are tested according to FIFA’s Quality Programme and meet FIFA’s quality standards. All match balls used in professional games must comply with this standard. It remains to be seen what Arsenal fans think about the team’s performance.