'Get used to it' - Rangers legend slams Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta for 'crazy' Newcastle United reaction
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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been shown little sympathy this morning by ex Rangers star Kris Boyd having blamed the weight of the ball for having a role in his side's 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.
The Gunners are well on the back foot ahead of the second leg at St James' Park next month thanks to goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon. The Magpies were clinical in North London while the hosts missed golden chances that fell to Gabriel Martinelli, Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz.
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Hide AdAfter the game, a frustrated Arteta took the unusual tact of blaming the composition of the Carabao Cup football for his side's wayward finishing. Arsenal had 23 shots during the match but hit the target just three times.
Arsenal blame ball for Carabao Cup defeat
Martinelli hit the post when one-on-one with Martin Dubravka, Havertz misjudged an easy header and Timber headed over from a trademark Arsenal set play. Jorginho also saw a ferocious shot from distance float over the bar after he was brought on.
Arteta said: "We 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. But at the end that's gone - there's no way back, it's about the next game and that's our world, the reality is our world. It's just half-time. When I see the team play, and how we deal with a lot of situations and play against a very good team, I must say I have full belief that we can go out there and do it."
The ball used in the Carabao Cup is made by Puma and different from the Nike-manufactured ball used each week in the Premier League. Arteta explained: "It's just different. 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."
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Hide AdKris Boyd slams Mikel Arteta
That unexpected point from Arteta has set the football world talking today and former Rangers and Kilmarnock man Boyd had little time to sympathise with the Gunners boss. Speaking on Sky Sports News, the ex striker said: "It is an absolutely crazy shout to put out there. They, better get used to it, as the Premier League is moving to the puma ball. All good players can play with anything. There might be change but there's a change in the Champions League too. If Arsenal had won the game it would have been nothing to do with the ball."
Newcastle United were the first team to beat Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium since the defeat to Aston Villa in April, a result that proved detrimental to the Gunners' title hopes. The Magpies have had an impressive defensive record of late, conceding just one goal in their last six outings. Arsenal must now bounce back from Carabao Cup defeat against Manchester United on Sunday in FA Cup action before a Premier League clash with local rivals Tottenham Hotspur. The second leg of the semi-final against Newcastle United will be played on February 5.
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