Mikel Arteta bizarrely blames Carabao Cup BALL for Arsenal's missed chances against Newcastle… as he laments that his team “kicked too much over the bar” during their 2-0 first leg defeat.

Mikel Arteta strangely lifted the match ball when analyzing Arsenal's 2-0 defeat to Newcastle.

A Puma ball is used in the Carabao Cup, while a Nike ball is used in the Premier League.

When asked about Arsenal's missed opportunities (they had 23 shots, but only three on target), Arteta responded: “We also kicked a lot of balls over the bar, and it's difficult for these balls to fly a lot, so there are details we can improve”. .

“But in the end that's over, there's no turning back, it's about the next game and that's our world, reality.”

When pressed further on the issue, Arteta added: “No, it's just different.” It is very different to the Premier League ball and you have to adapt to that.

“It flies different… when you touch it, the grip is very different too, so you have to adapt to that.”

Mikel Arteta strangely raised the ball when analyzing Arsenal's defeat against Newcastle

Arsenal wasted several opportunities as they had 23 shots, but only three of them were on target.

Arteta claimed that the Puma Carabao Cup ball was 'different' and said that 'these balls fly a lot'

When Arteta was Manchester City assistant manager, Pep Guardiola called the Miter ball used in the Carabao Cup last-16 victory against Wolves in October 2017 “highly unacceptable”.

Isak, who has long been linked with the Gunners, scored a goal and was involved in the build-up to Newcastle's second goal – Anthony Gordon heading the striker's shot wide.

About Isak, Arteta added: “The ball came to him, he created and had many great opportunities.” He also participated in both goals.

“Unfortunately, both times he had the ball in the box and that's what happens when you have real quality up front and they can make the difference, and they are very clinical.”

Isak scored his 14th goal in 15 games as the Toon claimed their seventh consecutive victory as they chase their first major domestic trophy in almost seven decades.

Eddie Howe praised his star man but said Isak had to deal with a hamstring problem, something he hopes will not be a problem before the return leg at St James' Park on February 5.

Eddie Howe praised Alexander Isak, although he revealed that he left with a hamstring problem

He said: “The first half was electric, I thought he played very well.” He scored, but I thought his overall game was in a very good place.

“He felt a little bit in his hamstring at half-time so we had to get it under control in the second half and that was a big blow to our performance.”

It is so important that we cannot risk losing it. I hope it's okay.”