Mikel Arteta Faces Ball Controversy Ahead of Arsenal’s FA Cup Clash with Man Utd

Arsenal Manager Criticizes Match Ball Again

Mikel Arteta has reignited the debate over match balls as Arsenal prepare to face Manchester United in the FA Cup third round on Sunday. The controversy follows his criticism of the “tricky” Puma ball used in the Carabao Cup after Arsenal’s 2-0 loss to Newcastle United earlier this week.

Arteta expressed frustration after the defeat, claiming, “It flies differently, and the grip is very different,” despite Arsenal scoring 11 goals in their three prior matches using the same design.

EFL Responds to Arteta’s Comments

The English Football League (EFL) was quick to dismiss Arteta’s remarks, defending the Puma ball as meeting FIFA Quality Pro standards. In a statement, the EFL emphasized:

“The Puma ball used in this season’s Carabao Cup and since 2021/22 is tested in accordance with the FIFA Quality Programme for Footballs. The same ball has been successfully used in Serie A, La Liga, and across the EFL without any similar complaints this season.”

The governing body also noted that no other team had raised concerns over the ball in the 88 fixtures played so far in the competition.

New Ball for the FA Cup

Arteta’s concerns may resurface as Arsenal’s clash with Manchester United will feature Mitre’s “gold limited edition Ultimax Pro” ball, designed specifically for cup ties involving reigning champions. The gold coloring is the only difference from Mitre’s standard FA Cup ball, but it remains to be seen whether Arteta will raise further objections.

Interestingly, Puma is set to become the Premier League’s official ball supplier starting in the 2025/26 season, replacing Nike, whose balls Arteta seemingly prefers.

A History of Excuses

Arteta’s critique has drawn comparisons to other managers known for peculiar complaints. His former Barcelona teammate Xavi Hernandez often blamed minor details such as grass length, pitch size, and even sunlight for poor performances. Pep Guardiola, Arteta’s mentor, also once criticized a Carabao Cup ball as “unacceptable for a high-level competition” after a penalty shootout victory in 2017.

While Arteta has been ridiculed for his comments, the Arsenal manager remains focused on securing a positive result against Manchester United as the Gunners look to progress in the FA Cup.