Ally McCoist has refused to criticise Mikel Arteta after he brought up the match ball following Arsenal’s defeat to Newcastle.
The Gunners were beaten 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium in the first-leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final, as goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon gave the Magpies a crucial advantage.
Despite the final result, Arsenal had a number of opportunities to impact the scoreline, and had 23 shots worth 3.09 expected goals.
However, just three of these were on target, with Gabriel Martinelli hitting the post in the first half, while Kai Havertz sent a free header wide from close range which would have made it 2-1.
And after the match, Arteta appeared to suggest the match ball used in the tie had played a part in his side’s struggles in front of goal.
In the Carabao Cup, a Puma ball is used, as opposed to the Nike ball seen in the Premier League.
When asked about the Gunners’ missed chances, the Spaniard replied: “I think we kicked a lot of the balls over the bar and it’s tricky that this ball flies a lot.
“We discussed that as well, so there are details that we can do better.”
Explaining the difference in ball, Arteta added: “It’s just different, it’s just very different to the 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 have to adapt to that.”
And while Arteta’s claim may have been viewed as an excuse by some, talkSPORT’s Ally McCoist has defended the Gunners boss, and admitted that a change in ball would impact his side’s performance.
After having the post-match comments played back to him on talkSPORT Breakfast, McCoist said: “Wait a minute. He’s 100% right!”
GettyAlexander Isak netted his 15th goal of the season against the Gunners[/caption]
He was then quizzed by co-host Shebahn Aherne, who asked: “What’s different about the ball? Have you seen it?”
To this, the former Scotland striker admitted: “No I haven’t but I can guarantee you there will be a difference in the ball.”
McCoist went on to fight Arteta’s corner, as he argued that the 52-year-old was simply highlighting the challenges his players had to contend with against Newcastle.
He continued: “He’s not making any excuses there, I didn’t hear him say that was the reason for missing chances.
“All he said was it was a different ball and you’ve got to adapt it, which I probably think would be factually correct, not having not having seen a Premier League ball and the Carabao Cup ball, but you do get different balls.
“He’s not making any excuses. It’s just a fact, a statement he’s made that it’s different for the players.
“But the fact of the matter is, his players should have scored with that particular different ball.”
Arteta and his side now have just under a month to adapt to the Carabao Cup ball, with their return leg at St James’ Park taking place on February 5, as they bid to make a spectacular comeback to secure their place in the competition final.