Newcastle United made sure they got one last blow in on Mikel Arteta after knocking his Arsenal side out of the Carabao Cup at the semi-final stage.
The Magpies will be off to Wembley Stadium for the second time in three seasons, aiming to go on better in the Carabao Cup than last time. That opportunity comes after they resoundingly defeated Arsenal 4-0 on aggregate over two legs.
Wednesday’s meeting at St. James’ Park ended 2-0 to the hosts, with Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon grabbing the goals in front of a jubilant home support. Joyous scenes ensued upon the final whistle.
But it was the first leg, held on January 7 at the Emirates Stadium, that was still fresh in the memory based on Newcastle’s thoroughly planned jibe at Arteta. After the full-time whistle, they posted a photo of the Carabao Cup match ball with the caption: “The culprit:”
It may seem an innocent post without the context, which is easily given. Speaking after the first leg, Arsenal’s manager had raised eyebrows when he ‘blamed’ the EFL’s Puma-manufactured footballs for his side’s loss.
“We also 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.”
When pressed on his answer, Arteta added: “It’s just different. 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.”
The EFL responded to the complaint with a statement, which read: “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 La Liga 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.”
Alexander Isak and Gordon seemed to have no issue with the equipment when they scored in the first leg last month, which earned Arteta his fair share of flack from supporters. In their celebrations, Newcastle have now officially joined in with this jest of their own.
View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-united-aim-cheeky-mikel-30945131
