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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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      FA Cup changes rule for first time in 154-year history with huge impact on mega-money prize pot

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      THIRD round losers will get prize money for the first time as the FA Cup kicks off for real on Thursday. All 32 teams eliminated at the last 64 stage will be paid £25,000 from Wembley funds, with the winners each bagging £115,000.The FA have announced brand new prize pot rules for the FA CupCredit: GettyFA chiefs agreed the extra payments to compensate clubs for the abolition of all replays from the first round proper.Losing sides in the first and second round earned £15,000 and £20,000 respectively.Although this weekend’s ties will be the last this season that have a financial consolation prize.The total prize pot on offer from the first round onwards has gone up by £2.44m to £20.3m.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut the majority of the extra cash will go to lower league clubs.And there is no change to the money available for winning games from the fourth round onwards.May’s Wembley winners will earn a total £3.91m, just £10,000 more than Manchester United picked up in prize money last term.That compares to the £6.795m that Arsenal earned for their behind closed doors Final win over Chelsea in 2020.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe impact of the pandemic on Wembley finances saw a significant reduction in FA Cup prize money.That has only marginally increased over the intervening four seasons.FA Cup clash DELAYED as referee is substituted after injury… with PA appealing for new official over tannoyThe 12 clubs involved in the third-round matches selected for live screening by BBC and ITV – including Tamworth, who host Spurs on Sunday – will all receive £85,000.In addition, being broadcast on BBC iPlayer and Red Button services will earn Chelsea, Preston, Manchester City and Huddersfield £40,000.While Shrewsbury and Wrexham will split £96,000 equally after their game was chosen by SC4. More

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      West Ham hope to have Graham Potter in charge for Friday’s FA Cup clash even though Lopetegui is STILL manager

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      WEST HAM hope Graham Potter will take charge of their FA Cup game at Aston Villa on Friday night.Potter has agreed to take over at the London Stadium but the club are still finalising the last details of his appointment.Graham Potter is expected to be West Ham’s next managerCredit: PAJulen Lopetegui is set to be sacked by West HamCredit: RexHowever, the Hammers are still yet to sack current boss Julen Lopetegui.Lopetegui was left once again to take charge of training on Wednesday, despite the club being close to appointing Potter, 49, as his successor.West Ham cancelled their press conference which was scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, ahead of Friday night’s third round tie at Villa Park.Potter is keen to take training on Thursday and be in the dugout for the game, with the postponed press conference also needing to be held.READ MORE IN football Lopetegui is furious with how the week has played out.On Monday it emerged he had asked technical director Tim Steidten to stay away from the training ground after their relationship broke down.Chairman David Sullivan has led the search for a new manager, though Steidten was the one to initially approach Potter.After talks were re-opened this week, vice-chair Karren Brady has taken charge of direct negotiations.Most read in FootballJulen Lopetegui’s disastrous reignBy Jack FiggJULEN LOPETEGUI replaced David Moyes in May 2024 ready to start a new reign at West Ham – now it’s over before it even got started.The former Spain manager arrived in London with the experience of working with big stars – but his reputation in England needed mending. He won the Europa League with Sevilla in 2020 – joining Wolves two years later. But Lopetegui left after one season having guided Wolves to 13th but walking out over their financial constraints. Following a year out of work, the ex-Real Madrid player agreed to take over from Moyes – who only 12 months earlier led them to the Europa Conference League trophy. But Lopetegui got off to a horror start to life in London, going winless in his first four matches.That is despite spending £123m on signings with the likes of Maximilian Kilman, Niclas Fullkrug and Aaron Wan-Bissaka arriving in the summer.And Lopetegui’s tenure hit an all-time low following a 5-0 loss at home to Liverpool and 4-1 defeat at Man City. The Hammers board had seen enough and started to draw up potential replacements after deciding to sack Lopetegui.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAs well as finalising Lopetegui’s exit, a new coaching staff must be appointed.The former Wolves manager brought five coaches with him to east London, all of whom are expected to leave.Potter is looking to initially bring up to four of his own coaching staff with him, while goalkeeping coach, Xavi Valero, is expected to stay.Valero was the one member of David Moyes’ staff to remain in the summer. More

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      Aston Villa vs West Ham: Get £40 in FA Cup free bets and bonuses to spend with BetMGM

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      ASTON VILLA host West Ham on Friday night in an all-Premier League FA Cup third round tie.Bookmakers BetMGM are offering brand new customers a cool £40 in free bets when you register an account and stake a tenner on the cup meeting.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..BetMGM £40 welcome bonusVisit the BetMGM website HERE*Select SPORTS OFFER on the websiteRegister a new account – No Promo Code necessaryOpt in for this promotion by depositing and placing at least £10 on football at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free betsAston Villa vs West Ham: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here*Not got a BetMGM account? No problem!This offer is just for you, and it’s incredibly easy to claim!Simply register a new account, deposit and stake a minimum of £10 on football at odds of Evens (1/1) or greater. This must be done within seven days of opening your account with the bookmaker.Once that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free bets!Aston Villa vs West Ham: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here**BetMGM. New customers only. 7 days to place a qualifying bet of £10 at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1x £10 Free Bet on Football, 1x £10 Free Bet on Horse Racing, 2 x £10 Free Bet Builders. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. Full T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

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      FA Cup free bets – Everton vs Peterborough: Get £50 in free bets for FA Cup tie with Betfred

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      EVERTON welcome Peterborough to Goodison on Thursday in a potentially tricky FA Cup third round tie.And brand new Betfred customers can claim a terrific £50 in free bets when they sign-up and stake a tenner on the cup showdown.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereEverton vs Peterborough: Get £50 free bets HERE*How to claim..Betfred welcome offerVisit the Betfred website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: BETFRED50Deposit £10 using a Debit CardPlace your first bet of £10 or more on any qualifying Sportsbook markets, at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that bet has settled, Betfred will credit your account with £50 in Free BetsBetfred: Get your £50 in free bets – Claim here*Everton vs Peterborough: Get £50 free bets HERE*New to Betfred? Then you can claim this incredible offer.Simply visit the Betfred website using this link HERE* and register a new account using the Promo Code: BETFRED50Then you just need to deposit and stake £10 on any football market at odds of Evens or greater.When that first bet has settled — win or lose — Betfred will credit your account with the following free bets;3 x £10 to use on any Sportsbook Markets2 x £10 to use on Accumulators (4+ selections)FREE BET SIGN UP DEALS FOR FOOTBALLRemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk*New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply. More

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      West Ham CANCEL press conference with Lopetegui with club poised to sack boss as Graham Potter talks continue

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      WEST HAM have CANCELLED Julen Lopetegui’s press conference with the manager set for the sack.The Hammers struggled under the Spaniard and sit 14th after heavy defeats to Manchester City and Liverpool.West Ham are poised to sack Julen LopeteguiCredit: RexGraham Potter is expected to be named his replacement once sackedCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunLopetegui was expected to speak to the press today ahead of the club’s FA Cup clash with Aston Villa on Friday.It was thought to be going ahead at 1pm at the club’s training ground.However, it has been cancelled with the expectation that he will be relieved of his role.He took training at the club as usual on Tuesday morning despite knowing that the club were looking for his successor.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSky Sports have reported that he has arrived at the club to take training despite the speculation he is set to be sacked.Former Chelsea and Brighton manager Graham Potter is expected to be named his replacement.He has not been in management for 20 months following his axing from Chelsea in 2022.Sky Sports have also claimed that technical director Tim Steidten wanted Potter to replace David Moyes in the summer instead of Lopetegui.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe German has been staying away from the training ground amid speculation of a rift between himself and Lopetegui.Lopetegui signed a two-year deal at West Ham in the summer and oversaw a hectic transfer window.Graham Potter lands new job as West Ham await decision on whether he will replace Julen Lopetegui as manager The Hammers signed nine players in he transfer window and spent upwards of £130million.Stars such as Niclas Fullkrug, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Max Kilman arrived but have struggled to impress.Lopetegui has won six of his 20 Premier League games, drawing five and losing nine.In this period, West Ham have conceded 39 goals which is the fourth-worst record in the league.The Mail have claimed that Christophe Galtier and Paulo Fonseca are alternatives for the Hammers should a deal with Potter fall through.West Ham have worst stadium in Premier LeagueBy Andy DillonAll that has been achieved under David Moyes has made West Ham forget that they have by far the worst home ground in the entire Prem.A stadium totally unfit for staging regular football matches.One that can work on big European nights when the fans have electrified their voices in the nearby Carpenters Arms before kick-off.But one which drains your soul during routine home games against the likes of Burnley or Everton.A home ground where giant trampolines separate fans from the action.With temporary seating and scaffolding trying to bring the players and crowd closer.When West Ham are playing badly but winning, issues with the rented stadium are pushed aside.If they are playing badly and losing, the whole festering sore surfaces and the frustration will be aimed once more at chairman David Sullivan and vice-chair Karren Brady.It wasn’t long ago that fans were invading the pitch, that 8,000 protested against the owners, that Sullivan was hit in the eye by a coin thrown from the crowd. Moyes has been an effective human shield with his consistent, if not entirely pretty, brand of success.This is what incoming boss Lopetegui has to contend with.Read Andy Dillon’s full column here. More

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      Tamworth boss reveals BEER is the secret weapon behind incredible FA Cup run as The Lambs eye Tottenham scalp

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      ANDY PEAKS will never forget his first match in charge of Tamworth.Instead of battling for points in a relegation dogfight, he was sinking PINTS with his Lambs squad after a trip to Leiston was postponed.Boss Andy Peaks and keeper Jasbir Singh celebrate beating BurtonCredit: GettySinking League One Burton has set up Tamworth’s biggest ever gameCredit: GettyBut Tamworth’s boss believes that boozy afternoon session in Suffolk was the springboard for their incredible turnaround in recent years.After beating the drop in 2021-22, Peaks led the Staffordshire minnows from the Southern Premier League to the National League with  stunning back-to-back title wins.Now, as the lowest-ranked team left in the FA Cup, the part-time manager is relishing a showdown with Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham on Sunday.It is without doubt the biggest game in Tamworth’s 92-year history.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLYet Peaks doubts they would have made it this far without that afternoon on the lash on his first full day in his new job.He revealed: “I’d just agreed to join Tamworth from Rushden & Diamonds and I took in  our first training session on Thursday night.“I could see we had some good players but I sensed there was a divide in the squad and I thought, ‘I’m not having that’.“We turned up in Suffolk for my first game against Leiston and discovered the pitch was waterlogged and the game was called off.Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“But Leiston had put on some food for us so I said to the lads, ‘Right, we’re going to have an hour in the bar and get to know each other’.”I had a gut feeling that the players never socialised together. One or two of them even said, ‘I’ve got to get home to the missus and the kids’.Spurs starlet forced to retire aged just 23 and more than two years after horror injury that ‘ultimately ruined career’“But I told them, ‘If we’d played the game, you’d be playing until 5pm and wouldn’t get home until 8.30pm. This way you’ll be home by 5.30pm!’“So that was effectively my second session with the team — an hour or so in the bar.“We had some food and some beers and everybody mingled.“Afterwards on the team bus, some of the lads were saying, ‘I haven’t really spoken to Jas [goalkeeper Jas Singh] before and didn’t realise he was a building surveyor’, stuff like that. “Before that it had just been a job to them and they came to the club, got changed, trained and went home.“I’m a great believer that if you have got friends beside you, you’ll try that bit harder for them. From that day on it just clicked.”Peaks became Tamworth manager in February 2022 with the club fighting relegation but kicked off  with a 6-0 win against Barwell.That sparked a 13-game unbeaten run until the end of the season.The 54-year-old added: “We trained again during the week and then we had a big, convincing win and we went on from there.“It’s easier to bond after a big win and the players think, ‘This guy must know what he’s on about’.Peaks says the Lambs will be ‘horrible and nasty’ against SpursCredit: PA“Success breeds success and we went on a bit of a run after that, the fans started turning up and everyone was happy.“I tried to bring the club together more, with no grievances and a lot of togetherness. Players used to rock up five minutes before training.“Now they turn up half an hour before because they enjoy each other’s company and have a laugh.“If not, we’d definitely be bottom of the league.”Instead, Tamworth are 16th in National League, seven points above the relegation zone.But it is Tottenham’s visit to The Lamb Ground in the third round  that has Peaks’ full attention now.He said: “We will give them the respect they deserve as a Premier League giant and Champions League-level club.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But when the game starts we’ll be horrible and nasty and in their faces because it’s the only way we can be to stand any chance.“Hopefully, they have a few players who don’t fancy it and we have 11 players who play out of their skin.” More

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      My dad’s a Double-winning Arsenal cult hero and I’m ready to do him proud by dumping bitter rivals Spurs out of FA Cup

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      CHRIS WREH has more reasons than most to dump Tottenham out of the FA Cup.Spurs travel to fifth tier side Tamworth on Sunday in the third round.Chris Wreh (centre) is hoping to make his dad proud and score against SpursTamworth striker’s dad is Arsenal hero Christopher WrehCredit: RexTheir striker’s famous dad, Christopher, is steeped in rivals Arsenal history after being part of Arsene Wenger’s 1997-98 Double-winning team.His son Chris, who kicked off his career in the Gunners youth team, is sure to be more pumped up than the rest of his team-mates when Ange Postecoglou’s side come to town.Wreh Jr told SunSport: “I was two when dad won the Double with Arsenal and I’ve supported Arsenal since I was a kid — for obvious reasons.“I had a few years in the Northampton Town youth team before I joined Arsenal’s academy for a season as a kid, but I wasn’t offered a pro contract.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“My current Tamworth boss Andy Peaks gave me my start in men’s football with Rushden & Diamonds after I was released by Arsenal.“So playing against Tottenham has an extra special meaning for me.“Playing Arsenal away was my first-choice tie. But if that wasn’t possible, playing our biggest rivals Tottenham at home is the next best thing.“Unfortunately, mum and dad won’t be at The Lamb on Sunday because dad is still involved in coaching the national team out in Liberia.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“My brother Charlie will be there with some of our cousins and friends.”Christopher became the first African player to win the Prem title in 1998. Watch Arsenal legend Thierry Henry’s hilarious reaction after being called out by boxing champ Oleksandr UsykHe then topped it off by making it into Wenger’s starting line-up for their Double-clinching 2-0 FA Cup final victory over Newcastle United — ahead of Gunners legend Ian Wright.Chris added: “Dad says he will be watching on TV because the match will be shown worldwide, which is amazing.”Wreh Sr scored his most famous Gunners goal in the FA Cup — the only goal of the game in a semi-final win over Wolves at Villa Park to set up that cup win.Chris said: “Wenger rewarded him by starting dad in the final against Newcastle, which they won 2-0.“Ian Wright was on the bench that day which says a lot for dad. They were quite close and he used to call Wrighty, grandad, or old man, while Wright dubbed him ‘The Liberian Lion King.’Wreh Sr scored five goals for ArsenalCredit: PA:Press Association“Dad also scored against Manchester United at Wembley when Arsenal won the Charity Shield at the start of the following season.“To get in that team when they had strikers like Wright, Dennis Bergkamp, Nicolas Anelka and Thierry Henry was a massive achievement and something my mum must have been so proud of.“It showed he had the talent, it’s staggering to think of the level he achieved. “You can’t be a bad player if Wenger signs you twice as he did when he signed dad for Monaco and then again for Arsenal.“Dad knew all about Henry’s quality long before he became a Gunners legend — because they used to share a flat when they were team-mates at Monaco.”Chris may be with National League Tamworth, the lowest ranking club left in this year’s FA Cup, but his family are pure football royalty.He revealed: “Dad was the first African player to win the Premier League but my uncle is even more famous.“My dad’s cousin is George Weah, who was African Player of the Year twice and also won the Ballon d’Or in 1995.“After he retired from football he went on to become the president of Liberia.”Chris cannot wait to rub shoulders with Tottenham’s superstars on Tamworth’s artificial turf.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe 28-year-old said: “I’m hoping Son Heung-min plays. I’ll try to be at the head of the pack of our lads who will be trying to swap shirts with him at full-time.“It’s a massive occasion and easily the biggest game of my career.”He won the Prem, FA Cup and Charity ShieldCredit: PA:Press Association More