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      Tottenham’s crucial win over Liverpool could save Ange Postecoglou’s job… two players stepped up when needed most

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      IT felt like the sort of night that could prove a turning point for Ange Postecoglou. The under-fire Aussie watched his injury-ravaged Tottenham side beat Liverpool 1-0 in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham defied the odds to beat Liverpool on WednesdayCredit: ReutersTeenager Lucas Bergvall netted a dramatic late winner in North LondonCredit: GettyFollowing a poor start to the season, the prospect of silverware is suddenly very realCredit: GettyThe first half was overshadowed by a scary incident involving midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur, who collapsed on the field.Bentancur was stretchered off but later posted a positive update from his hospital bed. Both teams appeared affected by the delay during a cagey opening 45 minutes in front of a nervy crowd. Liverpool were well off their best, as the home side slowly grew into the occasion. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd it was two teenagers – match-winner Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray – who stepped up when needed for their manager. Both stars, 18, have been called upon more than expected this season due to a mounting list of injuries and suspensions. But they are both the sort of players Postecoglou needs if he is to bring silverware and stability to North London. The teenagers showed commitment and courage on the ball in what was a vital game for both the club and his beleaguered boss.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBergvall played more key passes than any other Spurs player on the pitch.And he popped up with the winner right at the end when it mattered most, keeping his composure to slot past Alisson in the Liverpool net. Ange Postecoglou falls to his knees in despair after Pedro Porro fails to convert golden chance against LiverpoolThe versatile Gray was a Rolls Royce at the back, showcasing the talent that made him such a breakthrough talent at Leeds. This win could transform Tottenham’s season following a difficult run over the festive period. Plenty wrote off Spurs before a ball was kicked, with Liverpool entering the contest unbeaten since September 14. But if they hadn’t got something out of the game, it would have felt like a missed opportunity. Pedro Porro left Postecoglou falling to his knees in despair after missing a sitter early in the second half.18-year-old Archie Gray showed why Spurs spent big to prize him away from LeedsCredit: GettyAnd Dominic Solanke was denied by a narrow offside call as Spurs gained a foothold in the game.Postecoglou has bemoaned Tottenham’s luck in recent weeks – but they got a huge slice of it when Bergvall wasn’t carded for a late lunge on Kostas Tsimikas.It would have been the teenager’s second yellow of the game and came just minutes before he slotted in the winner. With half of his missing personnel likely to be back by the time Spurs visit Anfield for the second leg, Ange will hope to get his team over the line.Gray’s versatility has been invaluable to Ange as he negotiates an injury crisisCredit: ReutersIt would represent a first shot at a trophy since Tottenham reached the Carabao Cup final against Man City in 2021.Silverware is the one thing everyone at Spurs ultimately strives for.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd if Postecoglou can provide it, he will go down as a hero – regardless of how the season has panned out so far. Should Spurs ultimately lift the Carabao Cup, they will look back on this performance as the one that sparked the turnaround. More

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      Rodrigo Bentancur injury latest: Tottenham star ‘conscious, talking’ after HORROR injury in semi win over Liverpool

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      RODRIGO BENTANCUR is in hospital after he suffered a horror injury that left him needing lengthy treatment and oxygen on the pitch.The Tottenham midfielder appeared to slam into the turf after going for a header at a corner, with his arm also bending the wrong way as he landed.Following treatment by medics inside the Liverpool box, Bentancur was carried off the pitch after a worrying seven-minute delay – Tottenham later wrote on social media: “We can confirm Rodrigo is conscious, talking and will go to hospital for further checks.”Spurs went on to record a battling 1-0 win as Lucas Bergvall scored his first goal for the club, while new keeper Antonin Kinsky kept a clean sheet on his debut after being thrown straight into the mix.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…’Liverpool punished’Former Spurs ace Michael Dawson told Sky Sports that Liverpool were ‘punished’ by Stuart Attwell’s decision not to send Lucas Bergvall off.Speaking after the game, he said: “I don’t think the first one is a yellow card on Luis Diaz.“He gives the referee a decision to make but the referee got that one wrong.“On the second one, I have no defence for Bergvall. He lunges and catches Tsimikas and that should’ve been a yellow card.“Liverpool are certainly punished with that.”Copy linkCopiedMatch reportIt was the night when Tottenham’s youth recruitment drive finally started to make sense.As 18-year-old Swedish midfielder Lucas Bergvall netted the late winner, his fellow teenager Archie Gray shone in defence and Ange Postecoglou had a rare night of joy and optimism.Liverpool were fuming that Bergvall was still on the pitch when, on a yellow card for hacking down Luis Diaz, escaped punishment for a late sliding foul on Kostas Tsimikas.The Reds’ Greek left-back was still off the pitch when Bergvall netted the winner from a slick move.Spurs now take a slender lead to Anfield for the distant return leg of this Carabao Cup semi-final on February 6.And Postecoglou’s boast of always winning a trophy in his second season at a club remains on course for fruition.Copy linkCopiedMomentous occasionOne talking point that will potentially get lost in all of the drama tonight was the momentous VAR/refereeing scenario.Ruling out Dom Solanke’s goal for offside in the second half, Stuart Attwell announced the decision over the speakers to the crowd from the pitch.If you’re a fan of the NFL, you’ll know exactly how that looks.Though they’re not usually quite as nervous as he looked delivering his mini-speech.He said: “After a review, Dominic Solanke was in an offside position in the build-up to the goal, therefore the decision is offside.”Postecoglou after the match said: “Just get on with the game, mate. It used to be you put your flag up and it’s offside.”Copy linkCopiedSlot reactsArne Slot reveals Stuart Attwell’s decision not to send Lucas Bergvall off had a huge impact on his side losing the game.He also said Attwell himself must have been concerned to see the Spurs man go on to score the winner. He told Sky Sports: “I think everyone who stands in front of a camera will say it had a big influence on the game.“It didn’t feel to me like we were ever going to lose. The decision he made had a huge impact on the result.“There’s nothing else I can say on that.“That is a rule I don’t like, if a player gets injured and treatment he has to go off for 30 seconds. I don’t understand why this is necessary.“Conceding during this time and to the player who should have had a second yellow card is not ideal.“I think the referee was even thinking ‘is this really happening, with him scoring’.“The fourth official told me in the tunnel why he didn’t think it was a yellow, then Robbo asked the referee and was told it’s because he didn’t stop a counter attack.“He could still give a yellow if it’s a reckless challenge but he didn’t see it as reckless, which we can debate.”Copy linkCopiedSecond legThe daft football schedule means the second legs of these cup competitions won’t be for another MONTH.Liverpool host Spurs on February 6 for a spot at Wembley.How will these sides look come then?Copy linkCopiedInteresting…You always get plenty out Ange Postecoglou.And he was lively when asked if Bergvall was lucky to stay on, insisting the referee was RIGHT to leave him on.He told Sky: “Great question – but NO he wasn’t!“People misinterpret my comments from the other day.“The rule is, if advantage is played as long as it’s not a cynical tackle then a yellow card isn’t given.”Copy linkCopiedPostecoglou update on BentancurAnge Postecoglou has given a brief update on Rodrigo Bentancur.He told Sky Sports: “Obviously I don’t have all the information but from my understanding he was conscious when he got to the dressing room.“We’ve taken him to hospital to get checked over.“Yeah it was worrying and obviously a concern but from what I know at this stage he’ll hopefully be OK.”Copy linkCopied’Couldn’t dream it’Antonín Kinský revealed after the game he’s a ‘big dreamer’ but even he couldn’t have dreamt up a debut like tonight.He also revealed the emotional hug was with his sister, having informed his family yesterday that there was a chance he’d be playing.Asked by Sky Sports if tonight was one of the best nights of his life, he said: “Yeah definitely. I’m a big dreamer but probably I’ve never dreamt this dream.“It’s amazing and I’m so happy. All the people have been kind and I’m so happy for the people, the club and myself.“It was my sister. I told her yesterday there was a possibility I would be playing so she came with her boyfriend and my mum and dad.“I hope they’re happy and proud.”Copy linkCopiedBentancur latestThere’s been no more news following the game on Rodrigo Bentancur after his horror injury tonight.In case you missed it, Spurs revealed at half time the midfielder was “conscious, talking and will go to hospital for further checks.”Copy linkCopiedVan Dijk reactsLiverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk reveals what he told Stuart Attwell after the game, having had words with the referee on that Bergvall decision.He told Sky Sports: “Listen, I think it was quite obvious it should have been a second yellow.“It was pretty clear and then a minute later he scores the winner.“It is what it is. He made a mistake in my opinion and I told him that. It was obvious.“There was a linesman there, a fourth official, VAR and a referee.“It wasn’t the reason we lost the game but it was a big moment.”Copy linkCopiedMatch statsThe numbers from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, showing Liverpool dominating pretty much every single stat.Except the one that counts at the top of the image.Copy linkCopiedSome debutAntonín Kinský jumped the advertising boards and into the crowd for an emotional embrace. Whoever the young lady was on the other end of his hug was in tears, no doubt bursting with pride at the youngster’s debut.To be thrust in to a game like this, against the top side in European football at present and keep a clean sheet must be more than he could have ever dreamed of.Really great scenes, and the Spurs fans around them were more than happy to give him an ovation for that showing.Copy linkCopiedSlot angerArne Slot stormed onto the park, shaking hands on the way, before giving the referee team a handshake.It looked to be relatively tame, before he went back and had another go. He’s raging with that Bergvall decision.He has a point, though Bergvall shouldn’t have been booked for the tackle he was booked for. Copy linkCopiedFT! Tottenham 1-0 LiverpoolSpurs take a lead to Anfield for the second leg!Copy linkCopied90+7 – Tottenham 1-0 LiverpoolNo penalty, on-field decision stands.Copy linkCopied90+7 – Tottenham 1-0 LiverpoolHang on, they’re checking a possible penalty for Liverpool.Kulusevski on Jones.Copy linkCopied90+7 – Tottenham 1-0 LiverpoolSpurs defend their box superbly and get the ball clear from two successful balls into the box.Gravenberch then floats a cross into the box which is straight through to the keeper.Copy linkCopied90+6 – Tottenham 1-0 LiverpoolAlexander-Arnold dinks a pass into the box for Salah – who has been anonymous for the entire evening – by Spence beats him to it.It is nodded behind though as the Reds get a corner and one final chance in this first leg…Copy linkCopied90+5 – Tottenham 1-0 LiverpoolDiaz skips by Porro down the Liverpool left and gets into the box before chucking himself to ground.Quite clearly that’s not a penalty and VAR agrees with the referee. Poor from Diaz, really poor in fact.Copy linkCopied90+4 – Tottenham 1-0 LiverpoolCLOSE FOR LIVERPOOL!Once again, the Spurs new boy between the sticks delivers! Diaz fires a cross towards the six-yard box and Nunez does well to adjust and get a shot on target, only for Kinsky to beat it away at full stretch.Copy linkCopied90+2 – Tottenham 1-0 LiverpoolAlexander-Arnold sends a wicked cross in from the right, just begging for Diaz to head home.He’s beaten to it by Porro who takes a bang from the Colombian for his troubles. Goal kick given, though.Copy linkCopied90 – Tottenham 1-0 LiverpoolSeven minutes added on!Copy linkCopied88 – Tottenham 1-0 LiverpoolThere was a yellow card flashed at the Liverpool bench, they’re absolutely furious he was allowed to stay on the park to score that.The fourth official getting a right earful.Copy linkCopied87 – Tottenham 1-0 LiverpoolWhat a turn of events for Bergvall, who would’ve been fearing a red card 60 seconds ago, he’s now put Spurs in front!This one will count and it’s a long ball into the channel and Solanke bullies Konate, brushing him aside on the right edge of the box.The England forward then has the presence of mind to wait for options and Bergvall bursts a gut to support and Solanke puts it on a plate for him to pass it firmly into the near post and beyond Alisson.And Liverpool were down to 10 men as Tsimikas had to go off having had treatment!Incredible stuff – we should’ve known it wouldn’t end goalless!Copy linkCopiedYOU COULDN’T WRITE IT!Copy linkCopied More

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      Trent Alexander-Arnold DROPPED for Liverpool’s Carabao Cup semi-final with Spurs after Man Utd horror show

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      LIVERPOOL dropped Trent Alexander-Arnold for their Carabao Cup semi against Spurs after his Manchester United horror show.The Real Madrid free transfer target was well off the pace in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with the Red Devils on Sunday.Trent Alexander-Arnold has been dropped for Liverpool’s Carabao Cup semi against SpursCredit: RexSunSport’s Tactics Exposed revealed how United targeted Alexander-Arnold and stopped him from dictating play.Arne Slot saw fit to drop the defender from his starting XI against Tottenham.Alexander-Arnold found himself on the bench alongside other big names including Andy Robertson, Luis Diaz and Ibrahima Konate.Instead, Conor Bradley was selected to go up against Tottenham captain Son Heung-Min, fresh after the attacker penned a contract extension.Key men Alisson, Virgil van Dijk and Mo Salah were all been selected for the game.Curtis Jones, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister made the midfield cut.Cody Gakpo, Diogo Jota, Jarrell Quansah and Kostas Tsimikas werealso chosen as Liverpool looked to put one foot in the Carabao final.Alexander-Arnold did manage to get onto the pitch however, as he replaced Bradley on 60 minutes.Most read in FootballAs for Spurs, they handed an immediate debut to new goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Czech stopped joined from Slavia Prague for £12million at the weekend and his first task was to stop Liverpool’s free-scoring attack from finding the target.Injuries to several players means Ange Postecoglou once again picked a backline of Pedro Porro, Djed Spence, Radu Dragusin and Archie Gray.Inside Elon Musk’s shock Liverpool takeover plot and how fans will be likely to reactYves Bissouma, Rodrigo Bentancur and Lucas Bergvall manned Tottenham’s midfield.While Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski joined Son up front.Speaking after Liverpool’s draw, Slot admitted Alexander-Arnold did not enjoy his best outing at Anfield.The Dutch boss said: “I think we were all disappointed, not only Trent, we were all disappointed by the way we played, first of all by the result, parts of the game we could be quite satisfied with, other parts we were not completely happy with.“That was not only Trent, there were more things in the game we could have done better. Trent did not play his best game, I’ve said that already, but it is not the first time in his life he didn’t play the best game of his career.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He has played so so so many games well for this club, now it wasn’t his best – like some others it wasn’t the best game – but we just pick it up and start training again today. “These players know if you play 50-60 games in a season once in a while you don’t have your best performance.” More

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      Tottenham vs Liverpool live stream: How to watch huge Carabao Cup semi-final first leg

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      TOTTENHAM host Liverpool in a match that could save their season – any maybe Ange Postecoglu’s future.Spurs are in the middle of a rotten run of form, having won just two of their last ELEVEN matches.Liverpool smashed Tottenham 6-3 just before ChristmasCredit: PAOne of those wins was the 4-3 thriller against Manchester United in the quarter-final of this competition.For Liverpool, they may have been lucky to draw against Manchester United on Sunday but they will be full confident heading into this game.It has been just over two weeks since Liverpool came to north London and thrashed Spurs 6-3 – and were up 6-1 at one point.But this is cup football and anything can happen.How to watch Tottenham vs Liverpool Tottenham vs Liverpool will be available for UK viewers on Sky Sports.It will be shown on two channels, Main Event and Football.It can also be live streamed on Sky Go.Sky Go is a free streaming service for Sky customers, however you must have the Sky Sports package to stream the match.The match will not be available on free-to-air TV like Arsenal vs Newcastle on Tuesday, which was shown on ITV1 and ITVX.Non-Sky customers will not be able to watch the match.SunSport will blog all the build-up and the action as it happens.Who is playing in the other Carabao Cup semi-final?Arsenal and Newcastle played their semi-final first leg match on Tuesday evening.The Magpies shocked the Gunners with a brilliant 2-0 win that left Mikel Arteta fuming.The Spaniard complained about a “tricky” Puma ball.He said: “It’s just different. It’s very different to a Premier League ball.”You have to adapt to that because it flies different.”When you touch it, the grip is very different as well, so you adapt to that.”The ball didn’t appear to cause too many problems for Eddie Howe’s side, who scored through Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon.Carabao Cup full scheduleTuesday, January 7Arsenal 0-2 Newcastle (1st leg)Wednesday, January 8Tottenham vs Liverpool (1st leg)Wednesday, February 5Newcastle vs Arsenal (2nd leg)Thursday, February 6Liverpool vs Tottenham (2nd leg) More

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      Mikel Arteta is in the doghouse with Arsenal fans and running out of time to show he has pedigree to end trophy drought

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      IT IS A WELL KNOWN fact that dogs learn through repetition.Especially their names. Call it over and over again and soon your clever pooch will be your loyal pal performing tricks for treats.Mikel Arteta is under pressure to win another trophy with ArsenalCredit: AFPArteta won the FA Cup with Arsenal just months after taking over but is yet to secure any other titlesCredit: APSo spare a thought for Arsenal’s poor pet chocolate labrador.Boss Mikel Arteta came up with the idea of having man’s best friend live at the club’s training ground to give the place a family feel. And she was named ‘Win’.That is not a word being heard quite as often as it should at London Colney today. At least not when it comes to getting over the line and winning a trophy.A crushing home defeat to Newcastle in last night’s Carabao Cup semi final first leg leaves Arteta licking his wounds after blowing a great chance of silverware.Read More in FootballWin will be licking other bodily parts as per usual.The concept of having a dog at a Premier League training ground is a positive one even if the choice of name is so North London and cringey.And there is no doubt that Arteta has re-energised Arsenal in the five years since he took over as manager in December 2019.But Tuesday’s inglorious stuffing feels like a barometer moment in the Spaniard’s time at the club. And the pressure is increasing.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSArteta introduced a dog named Win to the training ground two years agoCredit: GettyAs if to ram the message home in terms that Win would understand – Arsenal have let the lead slip five times this season – twice against Brighton but more importantly against their main rivals Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea. Boom boom.All of those games ended in draws, dropping vital points in the title race in the process.Arsenal player vs Newcastle in the Carabao Cup first leg tie at the Emirates (1)Arteta won the FA Cup at the end of his first half season in charge – breathing life into a flatlining football giant in December 2019 when taking over from the uninspiring Unai Emery.Victory in the 2020 FA Cup final over Chelsea should have been the trigger for more trophies to follow.But since then there has been nothing tangible to celebrate. No open top bus parade through the London Borough of Islington where skipper Martin Odegaard can show off a shiny cup.Since the FA Cup win four and a half years ago, even car-crash Manchester United have won something. And they are considered a laughing stock, now taking a punt on their third manager since Arteta took over the reins at the Emirates with a mission to make Arsenal great again.Ironically, Manchester United beat Newcastle in the 2023 Carabao Cup Final.The Geordies are renowned as serial chokers. Seven times losers in the FA Cup Final, twice in the League Cup, even throwing it away five times in the old Charity Shield. Without a major domestic trophy in 70 years.Succumbing to the Toon at home in such a feeble way does not mean Arteta’s time is up. Far from it, even if social media tells a different story with the notoriously fickle Gooners jumping on their keyboards over their chai lattes to ensure ‘Arteta Out’ has been trending.His 59.2 percent win rate is superior to that of his immediate predecessor Unai Emery and surprisingly better than that of Arsene Wenger – the man who laid the foundations for modern Arsenal.The French legend won 57.3% of his 1235 games. But Arteta has had only 262 so far which makes it slightly easier to maintain a higher ratio of victories.Wenger also had the Premier League in the bag in his second season – ripping the trophy from the best Manchester United team of all time led by the most successful British manager in history in Alex Ferguson.Arteta has enjoyed three full seasons of goodwill as he attempts a similar assault on football’s Mount Everest, overhauling Manchester City’s imperious four-in-a-row champions.The Gunners suffered a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup semi-final on TuesdayCredit: EPAAlexander Isak was a thorn in Arsenal’s side againCredit: GettyThat’s a big ask and the club and the fans have been patient up to now. It’s still too early to panic but there is a growing fear Arsenal have reached a ceiling unless bold moves are made.Their arch-tormentor Alexander Isak, opening scorer against them last night, is a £150 million transfer target.Former players like Paul Merson are demanding swift action by the board to sign the Swede and provide Arteta with the dedicated number nine they appear to crave so badly.Kai Havertz is only three goals behind Isak this season but will never be the consistent out-and-out centre forward they so painfully lack. Neither is Gabriel Jesus.It’s curious that in more than five years Arteta has overseen a net spend of £483.79 million but he is yet to find a player like Isak to lead the forward line with such venom.Wenger got away without one too for donkey’s years but then he had Thierry Henry and few players compare favourably to the masterful Frenchman.It is no shame to have finished second in the Premier League twice in succession to imperious Man City.But the dominant force in English football suddenly looks fallible so there’s a big excuse for failure gone.Champions League quarter finals last season, the last 16 of the Europa League the year before that. Gallant defeats but defeats nonetheless.The title race looks beyond them this season. Third time in a row.Arteta is a bright, young, energetic coach with a lengthy managerial career ahead of him at only 42.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd if he takes Arsenal up to St.James’ Park next month and turns Newcastle over in a stunning second leg comeback to get to Wembley, ignore all of the above.But for now time is not on his side as the clock keeps ticking and Arsenal’s near-misses mount up.Arsenal ratings vs Newcastle as Havertz fluffs golden chance with academy statlet the only bright light for GunnersARSENAL have a mountain to climb to reach the Carabao Cup final after a shock 2-0 first-leg defeat to Newcastle.Here SunSport’s Jordan Davies rates every Arsenal player on a disappointing night at the Emirates…DAVID RAYA – 6/10Looked nervy with ball at feet at times but could do nothing to stop Alexander Isak’s brilliant close-range finish.Unlucky to see his palmed save tapped in by Anthony Gordon.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 8The academy product was very impressive again. Turned out of danger well at both ends of the pitch. So calm under pressure.GABRIEL – 6Gave Isak far too much space to manoeuvre a shot in the box before the Toon’s second. Wasteful and ineffective from corners.WILLIAM SALIBA – 6Had an early effort blocked near the line by Dan Burn. Was dealing with Isak well until losing a header to Sven Botman that saw the Toon striker score.JURRIEN TIMBER – 5Missed an absolute sitter from a yard out from a corner.Was then caught sleeping just after the break to allow Gordon to double Newcastle’s lead.THOMAS PARTEY – 6Linked defence and attack fairly well without ever really doing anything spectacular.DECLAN RICE – 6Plays Jacob Murphy onside from a flicked on free-kick that leads to Newcastle taking the lead.Took more responsibility in the second half on the ball.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 7Heavily man-marked by Joelinton but looked back to his very best after a spate of illness.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 8Much more direct in his running. Unlucky not to open the scoring with his driven shot hitting the post after a half-way line sprint.Continued to be positive in his play – just lacked the finishing touch.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6Sneakily got away with dragging Isak down to stop the Swede joining a Newcastle counter in the first half and a good first-time pass to set Martinelli away. Those were his only highlights.KAI HAVERTZ – 5May just be back from a sickness bug, but the big German did very little, apart from somehow fluffing a header wide unmarked from six yards.SUBS:JORGINHO (PARTEY, 59) – 7Some nice passes into dangerous areas and sprayed the ball about with conviction.GABRIEL JESUS (TROSSARD, 59) – 6Lively and sharp without every really testing Newcastle’s back four or goal.OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO (LEWIS-SKELLY, 77) – 5Booked within a minute of coming on for a rash challenge on Joelinton. More

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      Mikel Arteta faces third different ball this week after Newcastle excuse as Man Utd target FA Cup surprise vs Arsenal

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      ARSENAL manager Mikel Arteta bizarrely suggested the Carabao Cup ball factored into his team’s 2-0 defeat to Newcastle on Tuesday.But the Gunners will be forced to play with ANOTHER different football this weekend when they face Manchester United in the FA Cup third round.Mikel Arteta suggested the Carabao Cup ball contributed to Arsenal’s loss against NewcastleCredit: ReutersThe Gunners missed several opportunities on TuesdayCredit: GettyAs things stand, Arsenal remain competitive in four different major competitions – each of which use a different ball.Arteta highlighted the main difference between the Carabao Cup and Prem balls after the club’s defeat to Newcastle earlier this week, citing numerous missed attempts on goal.He explained: “We also 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.”But at the end that’s gone, there’s no way back it’s about the next game and that’s our world, the reality is our world.Read More in Football”It’s just different. Very different to a 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 adapt to that.”In response to Arteta’s comments, an EFL spokesperson 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.Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSArsenal’s average shot on target percentage with different footballsThe Gunners have enjoyed a slightly higher success rate in the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyArsenal play with the Premier League football mostCredit: Getty”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.”Before Tuesday’s semi-final first leg against Newcastle, 27 of Arsenal’s 51 shots in the Carabao Cup this season were on target – an average of 53 per cent with the Puma football.Arsenal player vs Newcastle in the Carabao Cup first leg tie at the Emirates (1)In comparison, 102 of Arsenal’s 197 shots in the Premier League have been on target – an average of 52 per cent with the Nike ball.And in the Champions League, the Gunners have managed to direct 58 per cent of their shots on target – 33 out of 57 shots with the Adidas ball.The Carabao Cup ball slammed Arteta will be used in the Prem next season.SunSport understands that an exact version of the ball has already been developed and agreed as the new Prem model – despite the complaints by some managers about it this season.Like other competitions, the FA Cup also involves the use of a different ball.The beloved domestic competition has its footballs supplied by Mitre.Arsenal will use them for the first time this season on Sunday when they face Man Utd.The Gunners will go into the match with some key players absent.READ MORE SUN STORIESBukayo Saka remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, while his replacement, Ethan Nwaneri, is also unavailable due to a muscle problem.Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu both remain absent from the squad due to injuries.Cup ball to be used in PremBy Martin LiptonTHE Carabao Cup ball slammed by Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will be used in the PREMIER LEAGUE next season.Gunners chief Arteta suggested the “tricky” Puma ball used by the EFL in its flagship competition had been a factor in his side’s shooting woes during the 2-0 semi-final first leg defeat by Newcastle.Arteta said the Puma balls “fly a lot”, admitting “there’s details that we can do better”.Pressed further, Arteta added: “It’s just different. It’s very different to a Premier League ball.“You have to adapt to that because it flies different. “When you touch it, the grip is very different as well, so you adapt to that.”But Arteta  and his players will certainly have to adapt next term as Prem chiefs will switch to the SAME ball for the new season.The Prem has used Nike balls since 2000 but a contract dispute saw the decision to switch to the German manufacturer from the 2025-26 season in what was described as a “lucrative” deal.Sun Sport understands that an exact version of the Carabao Cup ball has already been developed and agreed as the new Prem model – despite the complaints by some managers about it this season.Moving to Puma may, though, help ease the delayed introduction of semi-automated offside technology.The versions used by Fifa and Uefa have been developed in collaboration with Adidas, while Italy’s Serie A has brought in the technology with a Puma ball.PGMOL had hoped to introduce a semi-automated system developed by US-based Genius Sports in the autumn but it is now not expected to be unrolled until next term after issues in decision-making accuracy.Working with Puma specialists, who have already used a similar system, over the coming months should enable a fool-proof version to be ready for the big kick-off in August. 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      Arsenal dealt fresh blow as Carabao Cup ball slammed by Mikel Arteta to be used in Premier League next season

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      THE Carabao Cup ball slammed by Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will be used in the PREMIER LEAGUE next season.Gunners chief Arteta suggested the “tricky” Puma ball used by the EFL in its flagship competition had been a factor in his side’s shooting woes during the 2-0 semi-final first leg defeat by Newcastle.Mikel Arteta slammed the ball used in their semi-final defeat to NewcastleCredit: AFPThe boss claimed the ball ‘flies a lot’Credit: EPAArteta said the Puma balls “fly a lot”, admitting “there’s details that we can do better”.Pressed further, Arsenal’s boss added: “It’s just different. It’s very different to a Premier League ball.“You have to adapt to that because it flies different.“When you touch it, the grip is very different as well, so you adapt to that.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Arteta and his players will certainly have to adapt next term as Prem chiefs will switch to the SAME ball for the new season.The Prem has used Nike balls since 2000 but a contract dispute saw the decision to switch to Puma from the 2025-26 season in what was described as a “lucrative” deal.SunSport understands that an exact version of the Carabao Cup ball has already been developed and agreed as the new Prem model – despite the complaints by some managers about it this season.Moving to Puma may, though, help ease the delayed introduction of semi-automated offside technology.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe versions used by Fifa and Uefa have been developed in collaboration with Adidas, while Italy’s Serie A has brought in the technology with a Puma ball.PGMOL had hoped to introduce a semi-automated system developed by US-based Genius Sports in the autumn but it is now not expected to be unrolled until next term after issues in decision-making accuracy.Arsenal dubbed the ‘new STOKE CITY’ live on Amazon Prime by Man Utd legend after corner masterclassWorking with Puma specialists, who have already used a similar system, over the coming months should enable a fool-proof version to be ready for the big kick-off in August.On the ball, an EFL spokesman 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 ratings vs Newcastle as Havertz fluffs golden chance with academy statlet the only bright light for GunnersARSENAL have a mountain to climb to reach the Carabao Cup final after a shock 2-0 first-leg defeat to Newcastle.Here SunSport’s Jordan Davies rates every Arsenal player on a disappointing night at the Emirates…DAVID RAYA – 6/10Looked nervy with ball at feet at times but could do nothing to stop Alexander Isak’s brilliant close-range finish.Unlucky to see his palmed save tapped in by Anthony Gordon.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 8The academy product was very impressive again. Turned out of danger well at both ends of the pitch. So calm under pressure.GABRIEL – 6Gave Isak far too much space to manoeuvre a shot in the box before the Toon’s second. Wasteful and ineffective from corners.WILLIAM SALIBA – 6Had an early effort blocked near the line by Dan Burn. Was dealing with Isak well until losing a header to Sven Botman that saw the Toon striker score.JURRIEN TIMBER – 5Missed an absolute sitter from a yard out from a corner.Was then caught sleeping just after the break to allow Gordon to double Newcastle’s lead.THOMAS PARTEY – 6Linked defence and attack fairly well without ever really doing anything spectacular.DECLAN RICE – 6Plays Jacob Murphy onside from a flicked on free-kick that leads to Newcastle taking the lead.Took more responsibility in the second half on the ball.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 7Heavily man-marked by Joelinton but looked back to his very best after a spate of illness.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 8Much more direct in his running. Unlucky not to open the scoring with his driven shot hitting the post after a half-way line sprint.Continued to be positive in his play – just lacked the finishing touch.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6Sneakily got away with dragging Isak down to stop the Swede joining a Newcastle counter in the first half and a good first-time pass to set Martinelli away. Those were his only highlights.KAI HAVERTZ – 5May just be back from a sickness bug, but the big German did very little, apart from somehow fluffing a header wide unmarked from six yards.SUBS:JORGINHO (PARTEY, 59) – 7Some nice passes into dangerous areas and sprayed the ball about with conviction.GABRIEL JESUS (TROSSARD, 59) – 6Lively and sharp without every really testing Newcastle’s back four or goal.OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO (LEWIS-SKELLY, 77) – 5Booked within a minute of coming on for a rash challenge on Joelinton. More

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      ‘All clubs play with same ball’ – EFL reveal Arsenal are ONLY team to complain about ball as Carabao Cup trolls Arteta

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      THE EFL have responded to Mikel Arteta’s suggestion that the Carabao Cup balls “fly different”.Arsenal were beaten 2-0 at the Emirates by Newcastle in their semi-final first leg thanks to goals either side of the break from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon.Mikel Arteta hit out at the ball used in the Carabao Cup match against NewcastleCredit: YouTube/BeanymanSportsThe EFL ball is made by PumaThe Gunners had 23 shots and 11 corners that led to just three efforts on target, and also recorded an xG of 3.12 – the highest from a Prem club without scoring in any game this term.Boss Arteta appeared to suggest post-match that the Carabao Cup Puma ball was a factor in his side’s lack of efficiency in front of goal.The Spaniard said: “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.“It’s very different to a 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 adapt to that.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut an EFL spokesperson 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.”Puma will also be in the Premier League from the 2025/26 campaign, replacing Nike after 25 years in what has been described as a lucrative deal.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSManagers criticising variations between manufacturers is not new.The official X account of the Carabao Cup also responded to a post which showed Arteta discussing the ball.Mikel Arteta reveals Bukayo Saka is set to miss months after surgery as he gives injury update on Arsenal starArteta’s criticism of the EFL ballMikel Arteta insisted the ball used in the EFL Cup is “tricky”…He said: “We also 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.”But at the end that’s gone, there’s no way back it’s about the next game and that’s our world, the reality is our world.”It’s just different. Very different to a 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 adapt to that.”Nike make the Premier League ballsThe Carabao Cup responded to Arteta with a 50 Cent memeCredit: xThe post included a snap of rapper 50 Cent from a viral clip in which he says “why you say f*** me for.”Arsenal will look to overturn the two-goal deficit on February 5 in the second leg at St James’ Park.Meanwhile, Arsenal fans were left convinced that Isak’s opener should not have counted.They spotted a push from the forward on Martin Odegaard moments before hitting the net.More fans were left stunned when Gordon scored his goal as he pulled off a Thierry Henry-inspired celebration in North London.Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka was left in tears at full-time as he appeared to say farewell ahead of a move to Saudi Arabia.The League Cup was still using a Mitre ball in 2017 when Manchester City beat Wolves on penalties in the last 16.Pep Guardiola – who had Arteta as his assistant – said at the time: “It is not acceptable, the ball was unacceptable for a high-level competition.“It is too light, it moves all over the place, it is not a good ball. It is impossible to score with a ball like that and I can say that because we won, I’m not making excuses.”Nike’s Prem ball consists of ‘four fused panels’, whereas the Carabao Cup Puma ball has a ‘unique eight-panel configuration’.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt is understood that all clubs competing in the Carabao Cup are provided with the balls to train with ahead of their fixtures.Puma ball to stayBy Martin LiptonTHE Carabao Cup ball slammed by Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will be used in the PREMIER LEAGUE next season.Gunners chief Arteta suggested the “tricky” Puma ball used by the EFL in its flagship competition had been a factor in his side’s shooting woes during the 2-0 semi-final first leg defeat by Newcastle.Arteta said the Puma balls “fly a lot”, admitting “there’s details that we can do better”.Pressed further, Arteta added: “It’s just different. It’s very different to a Premier League ball.“You have to adapt to that because it flies different. “When you touch it, the grip is very different as well, so you adapt to that.”But Arteta  and his players will certainly have to adapt next term as Prem chiefs will switch to the SAME ball for the new season.The Prem has used Nike balls since 2000 but a contract dispute saw the decision to switch to the German manufacturer from the 2025-26 season in what was described as a “lucrative” deal.Sun Sport understands that an exact version of the Carabao Cup ball has already been developed and agreed as the new Prem model – despite the complaints by some managers about it this season.Moving to Puma may, though, help ease the delayed introduction of semi-automated offside technology.The versions used by Fifa and Uefa have been developed in collaboration with Adidas, while Italy’s Serie A has brought in the technology with a Puma ball.PGMOL had hoped to introduce a semi-automated system developed by US-based Genius Sports in the autumn but it is now not expected to be unrolled until next term after issues in decision-making accuracy.Working with Puma specialists, who have already used a similar system, over the coming months should enable a fool-proof version to be ready for the big kick-off in August. More