Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has faced criticism for his team’s poor ball-striking skills in their 2-0 first-leg defeat by Newcastle in the Milk Cup semi-final. The Spaniard claimed that the Puma-made matchball, Orbita 1, was to blame for the Gunners’ lack of accuracy.
However, many observers have poked fun at Arteta’s excuse, suggesting that he is trying too hard to deflect responsibility from his team’s performance. Meanwhile, Newcastle forward Alexander Isak has emerged as a potential solution to Arsenal’s woes, having scored 14 goals in 15 games this season.
Isak’s clinical finishing and quick thinking have made him a fan favorite at the Emirates Stadium, and some have even joked that he would star alongside teammate Anthony Gordon in a buddy-cop drama. With Newcastle set to face Tottenham or another team in the Milk Cup semi-final, Arsenal will need to sharpen up their ball-striking skills if they want to advance.
The competition between rival clubs has sparked debate over whether a Tottenham-Neckcastle final could happen, with many speculating that one of these teams will win a major trophy. As for Newcastle’s chances, fans will have to wait and see how the team responds to their feel-good run.
In other news, Liverpool is set to face Tottenham in the first leg of their Milk Cup semi-final, with live coverage available on the Guardian’s website.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/jan/08/football-daily-mikel-arteta-arsenal-matchballs