Wed Jan 08 22:54:46 UTC 2025: ## Arsenal Blame Puma Match Ball After Newcastle Defeat in Carabao Cup

**London, England** – Arsenal’s hopes of reaching the Carabao Cup final suffered a significant blow after a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United in the semi-final first leg. The Gunners dominated possession and created numerous chances (23 shots, only 3 on target), but ultimately failed to capitalize, hitting the woodwork and missing several clear opportunities.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta surprisingly attributed some of the team’s struggles to the Puma match ball used in the Carabao Cup, contrasting it with the Nike ball used in the Premier League. “It’s very different to the Premier League ball,” Arteta explained. “It flies differently, the grip is different as well, so you have to adapt to that.” He added that his team kicked “a lot of balls over the bar,” hinting at the ball’s influence on their accuracy.

Newcastle’s victory was largely thanks to Alexander Isak, who scored his 50th goal for the club just before half-time and played a key role in Anthony Gordon’s second-half strike. Isak’s impressive form continues, with 10 goals in his last nine appearances. However, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe expressed concern over a hamstring injury sustained by Isak which limited his second-half performance. Howe hopes the striker will recover in time for the second leg.

Despite Arsenal’s superior possession and chances, Newcastle’s resolute defense proved impenetrable, securing a crucial win and putting them in a strong position to reach the final. Arsenal face a daunting task to overturn the deficit in the return leg at St. James’ Park on February 5th.

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