Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta remains confident his team can overturn their deficit and reach the Carabao Cup final but emphasized the need to adapt to the competition’s “tricky” ball.
The Gunners suffered a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle in Tuesday’s semi-final first leg, with goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon.
Despite dominating with 23 shots, Arsenal managed only three on target. Gabriel Martinelli struck the post, and Kai Havertz missed a straightforward header.
In his post-match news conference, Arteta addressed the missed opportunities, stating he wouldn’t ask his players to alter their approach but noted the ball’s impact on the game.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Prior to the defeat by Newcastle, the Gunners had scored 11 goals in three EFL Cup ties so far this season.
The ball in the competition is made by Puma, while the ball used in the Premier League is manufactured by Nike.
“It’s just different,” said Arteta when asked to go into more detail about the ball.
“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.”