Mark Chapman ridicules Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta as Jamie Redknapp jumps in

Mark Chapman led the taunts directed at Arsenal following Mikel Arteta's claims his side struggled with the balls during their semi-final loss against Newcastle.

Arteta was unhappy with the Puma ball used for the defeat, stating post-match: "We kicked a lot of balls over the bar, and it's tricky that these balls fly a lot so there's details that we can do better."

Arsenal registered just three shots on target throughout the full 90 minutes of Tuesday's game, with the north Londoners criticised for their lacklustre performance.

But the excuse didn't appear to wash with the Sky Sports panel ahead of Tottenham's semi-final clash with Liverpool on Wednesday night.

During his opening statements for Sky Sports' coverage, Chapman said: "It was 6-3 two weeks ago, plenty of goals, but I guess you're expecting 0-0 this evening because of the ball."

Jamie Redknapp was the first to jump in, replying with: "I was amazed he [Arteta] came out with that last night, the only thing I was disappointed with, he didn't say it while we were on air.

"I get, it's different with the Nike ball compared to the Puma ball. Only issue he's got, next year the Puma ball is going to be used in the Premier League so he better get used to it quickly."

Michael Dawson was next to have a pop, stating: "There is a difference [between the balls for professionals]. But would I have come out and said it after last night's performance? Definitely not.

"Mikel Arteta, I think, is making excuses. They would have trained with that ball, there's no doubt about that."

Izzy Christiansen wrapped up the segment by saying: "Jokes aside, it's probably a deflection mechanism. It was a sub-par performance from Arsenal, they'd have at least expected to go to Newcastle at the start of February with a better result.

"So yeah, Mikel Arteta has come out with a very bizarre statement about the ball. But I understand why he's done it."

The football Arteta was complaining about is the same one used by clubs in the three EFL divisions.

Responding to Arteta's comments in a statement, the EFL said: "As is required throughout the professional game, the PUMA ball used in this season’s Carabao Cup and in EFL competition since 2021/22 is tested in accordance with the FIFA Quality Programme for Footballs, and meets the FIFA Quality Pro standard.

"In addition to the Carabao Cup, the same ball has been successfully used in other major European leagues, including both Serie A and LaLiga and our three divisions in the EFL.

"All Clubs play with the same ball, and we have received no further comments of this nature following any of the previous 88 fixtures which have taken place in this season’s Carabao Cup."

Arsenal's next encounter with the much-maligned Puma ball will come in their League Cup semi-final second-leg on February 5.