Mikel Arteta has provided clarification regarding his comments on the Carabao Cup ball, which became a talking point following Arsenal’s 2-0 loss to Newcastle United in the semi-final of the competition. The match saw the Magpies dominate much of the proceedings, leaving Arteta’s men struggling to find a way through and facing a daunting challenge to overturn the deficit in the second leg to secure a spot in the final.
After the game, Arteta unexpectedly highlighted the ball as a factor in his side’s difficulty in scoring, a remark that was widely interpreted as an excuse. This statement quickly sparked debate among fans and pundits, with rival supporters mocking Arsenal and questioning the legitimacy of the claim. Many viewed it as another instance of deflecting responsibility following a poor performance.
However, Arteta has now addressed the issue, insisting that his comment was not intended as an excuse for his team’s struggles. He explained his point while emphasising that adapting to such circumstances is part of the game. Arteta said as quoted by Mirror Football, he said:
“Every ball is different, different flight, different feeling. It is not an excuse. We adapt to that. I’d never use it as an excuse.”
Arteta’s clarification highlights his focus on adaptation and resilience, acknowledging that external factors like the ball are something teams must learn to manage. While his initial remarks might have been misunderstood, the manager has made it clear that his priority lies in improving the team’s performance rather than shifting blame.
For Arsenal, the focus now shifts to their upcoming FA Cup clash against Manchester United, a match that offers an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to deliver in high-stakes cup ties. With criticism still lingering from the Carabao Cup defeat, a strong performance against United could restore confidence and show that the Gunners are capable of competing in the most challenging matches. It’s crucial for Arsenal to seize this chance and prove they can rise to the occasion when it matters most.
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But he did!!!!
Let’s be honest he’s trying to rectify a stupid comment he made and he’s just making himself and the club look even worse .
Just wish he would shut his trap ,every time he opens it it just make a him look more desperate.
I think we should give MA the benefit of the doubt here, as English is his second language and he has tried to clarify what he was trying to say.
Does it really matter anyway, as the result is still the same, we played s**t and it’s still only half time.
Let’s concentrate on the manure game and the transfer window.
Learn to stop making ridiculous comments after a sound defeat, and just say something like
“we were not able to overcome our opponents today, their tactics and effort were superior to ours today. We will learn, work harder, and look forward to our next match.”
Why even discuss the ball? And not blather on about pitches and weather?
Don’t they still affect both teams equally? Just like the ball?
Sign Arteta up for interview lessons, keep things simple and honest, and stop digging when you are in a hole.
Forgot to add, how narcissistic is it to think the ridiculous statement is not the issue, but rather everyone misunderstood what he said.
Sorry, but even mentioning the ball so unnecessarily was Daft to begin with. Who even thinks about something like that?
He says he wasn’t blaming the ball, he was just talking about adapting to the different types of ball played with. Having played with that ball in the previous three rounds and winning comfortably, blow’s that theory out of the water.
When I hear a manger after losing a game, say we have some injury’s, but I’m not using it as an excuse. Well you are, because the fact you mentioned the injury’s in the first place is an excuse in its self.
The same can be said of the blaming the ball incident.
Now While I’m here, I’m going to give you a list of possible excuses from Arteta in the event that we lose to United.
We lost because……….
1. I did not have my Weetabix this morning.
2. My wife never made me my pack lunch today.
3. My wife didn’t give me a kiss before I left
home.
4. The ball was to round, to shiny, to light, the wrong colour.
5. The grass was to long, the grass was the wrong colour.
6. We took our goal-kicks, free-kicks, throw-ins, corners to quick.
7. The corner flags were blowing the wrong way.
8. The fans were singing out of tune.
9. The colour of our kit today confused us.
10. The players played in the wrong boots.
There’s some possible examples. Anyone else who can add to that list will be very welcome.😉👍