The English Football League (EFL) has defended the ball being used in this year’s Carabao Cup in response to Mikel Arteta complaining that it “flies differently” after Arsenal’s defeat to Newcastle on Tuesday.

Arsenal lost the first leg of their semi-final at Emirates Stadium 2-0 despite having 23 shots, with three on target. Arteta suggested the ball, which is manufactured by Puma, could have played a role in their defeat because it is different to the Nike balls used in the Premier League.

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