In a recent press conference, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his belief that his team can still reach the Carabao Cup final despite losing the first leg of the semi-final against Newcastle. The match, which ended in a 2-0 defeat for Arsenal, saw the Gunners struggle with the competition-specific ball used by Puma. Despite having 23 shots during the game, only three were on target. Arteta acknowledged the challenges posed by the ball but maintained confidence in his players' ability to adapt and succeed in the second leg.

Details of the Match and Manager's Comments

On a crisp evening at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal faced off against Newcastle in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final. The Gunners, known for their strong performances this season, found themselves on the back foot as goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon secured a 2-0 victory for Newcastle. Despite Arsenal's dominance in possession and numerous attempts at goal, they struggled to convert their chances. Gabriel Martinelli hit the post, and Kai Havertz narrowly missed a straightforward header.

Following the match, Arteta addressed the media, highlighting the difficulties presented by the Puma-made ball used in the competition. He noted that the ball behaves differently compared to the Nike ball used in the Premier League, particularly in terms of flight and grip. "It flies a lot, and we had trouble controlling it," Arteta remarked. However, he remained optimistic, stating that the team must focus on the next game and that this setback is just "half-time."

Prior to this loss, Arsenal had been impressive in the Carabao Cup, scoring 11 goals across three matches. Their shooting accuracy in the competition has been comparable to their performances in the Premier League and Champions League, where different balls are used. In the EFL Cup, 53% of Arsenal's shots have been on target, while in the Premier League, this figure stands at 52%, and in the Champions League, it is slightly higher at 58%. This suggests that while the ball may present some challenges, it is not the sole factor affecting Arsenal's performance.

Arteta's comments reflect a pragmatic approach to the situation. While acknowledging the unique characteristics of the Carabao Cup ball, he emphasized the need for his team to adapt and improve. His unwavering belief in his players' abilities indicates that Arsenal will not be deterred by this setback and will continue to strive for success in both domestic and international competitions.

From a journalist's perspective, Arteta's stance highlights the importance of adaptability in football. Teams often face varying conditions and challenges, and the ability to adjust quickly can be the difference between success and failure. Arsenal's resilience and determination, as demonstrated by Arteta's optimism, serve as a reminder that setbacks are part of the journey and can ultimately strengthen a team's resolve.