Arteta Blames 'Tricky' Ball for Arsenal's Carabao Cup Setback

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has blamed the "tricky" match ball for his team's disappointing 3-1 defeat to Brighton in the Carabao Cup fourth round. Arteta claimed that the ball, which was designed by Nike for use in this season's competition, made it difficult for his players to control and pass accurately. He said, "The ball was really tricky. It was moving all over the place. It was hard to control and pass.

Arteta is not the first manager to complain about the Nike match ball. Earlier this season, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola also criticized the ball, saying that it was "not good enough" for a top-level competition. Other players and managers have also expressed their concerns about the ball, with some claiming that it is too light and difficult to predict.

The Nike Match Ball

The Nike match ball is a new design that was introduced at the start of the 2022/23 season. It is made from a polyurethane material and features a dimpled surface. Nike claims that the ball is designed to provide better grip and control for players. However, some players have found that the opposite is true. The dimpled surface can make the ball difficult to grip, especially in wet or muddy conditions, thereby affecting the ball control.

The ball is also lighter than previous models, which can make it difficult for players to judge its weight and trajectory. This can lead to inaccurate passing and shooting.

The Impact on Arsenal's Performance

It is difficult to say definitively whether the Nike match ball had a significant impact on Arsenal's performance against Brighton. However, there is some evidence to suggest that it may have been a factor. Arsenal struggled to control possession and made a number of uncharacteristic errors in passing. These errors led directly to 2 of the goals conceded by Arsenal.

It is also worth noting that Brighton played well on the night. They were well organized and disciplined, and they made it difficult for Arsenal to create chances. However, Arsenal's performance was still disappointing, and the Nike match ball may have been a contributing factor.

Conclusion

It is too early to say whether a change in the match ball would lead to a significant improvement in Arsenal's performance. However, it is certainly an issue that Arteta should consider. If he believes that the ball is having a negative impact on his team's play, then he should speak to the relevant authorities and ask for a change.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to change the match ball is up to the EFL. They will need to weigh up the concerns of managers and players against the commercial interests of Nike. It will be interesting to see what decision they make.