Speaking to reporters after the first leg at the Emirates Stadium, Arteta said: "I think we kicked a lot of the balls over the bar and it's tricky because this ball flies a lot, and we discussed that as well.
"So there are details that we can do better. But, in the end, that's gone. You know, this is no way back. It's about the next game, and that's the reality of our world."
When asked for an explanation on his theory, Arteta added: "It's just different, very different to a Premier League ball and you have to adapt to that because it flies differently. When you touch it, the grip is very different as well, so you have to adapt to that."
Arteta was mocked by rival fans and pundits, as well as Newcastle's social media team, for his observation. Then, following Manchester City's 3-1 win over Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup fifth round, Guardiola shared his former colleague's complaint with little, to no, backlash.
Speaking to reporters, the Spaniard described the Nike and Adidas balls supplied for the Premier League and UEFA Champions League as 'exceptional' before blasting the Mitre ball used in the FA Cup. Guardiola said: "The ball in the Champions League is exceptional, the ball in the Premier League is exceptional, this one isn't.
"It's difficult to control. When you lose it [sounds like] you're complaining, but the ball is not right. In many years it's happened in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup. I know it's a business and they come to agreements. You know how many shots went over? Look at other games. Normally the ball goes inside from these shots."
Wright has leapt to Arteta's defence on social media, questioning why the Man City boss hasn't been as heavily scrutinised. Taking to his Instagram story on Monday, the Arsenal legend wrote: "They ridiculed Mikel for saying this months ago [four thinking emojis]."
A professor at Loughborough University has previously commented on the controversy, comparing the change in match ball for a footballer to a change in paintbrush for an artist. Andy Harland said: "If he was saying his players noted a difference between the Carabao Cup ball and the one that is used in the Premier League, then that doesn’t surprise me.
"Top level players are masters of their craft and will adapt their technique and style of play to a different ball just like a racing driver would adapt to their car or an artist would adapt to their paintbrush. I sensed Arteta was simply commenting on this difference in response to a question he was asked, but I don’t believe anyone suggesting the ball was unfair is justified.
"Plenty of players and managers complain about balls along with many other things, however, not many do so after they have won!"
0 Comments