In the aftermath of Arsenal’s Carabao Cup semi-final exit, Newcastle United and their supporters have taken the opportunity to mock Gunners’ manager Mikel Arteta, referencing his previous comments about the match ball used in the competition.
During the first leg of the semi-final, where Arsenal suffered a 2-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium, Arteta suggested that the Puma-manufactured Carabao Cup ball contributed to his team’s wasteful finishing. He noted that the ball “flies a lot” and has a different grip compared to the Nike ball used in the Premier League, implying that these differences affected his players’ performance.
In the second leg at St. James’ Park, Newcastle secured another 2-0 victory, completing a 4-0 aggregate win to advance to the final. Following this triumph, Newcastle’s official social media account posted an image of the match ball with the caption “The culprit,” a clear nod to Arteta’s earlier remarks.
Additionally, Newcastle fans at the stadium chanted a five-word taunt directed at Arteta, further highlighting his comments about the ball. This playful trolling underscores the competitive nature of football rivalries and how managers’ statements can become focal points for banter among fans and clubs alike.
Arteta’s observations about the match ball have sparked discussions about the impact of equipment variations on player performance. While some may view his comments as seeking excuses, others recognize the legitimate challenges that different equipment can pose. Regardless, Newcastle and their supporters have seized the moment to revel in their victory and engage in light-hearted mockery of their opponent’s manager.