The English Football League (EFL) has defended the ball used in the League Cup after Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said it "flies differently" from those used in the Premier League.

The EFL have defended the ball used in Carabao Cup matches after Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta suggested it may have been a factor in defeat to the Newcastle.

The EFL have made a statement in defence of the Carabao Cup match ball after Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said it was “tricky”.

It was a first leg of the Carabao Cup semifinal for Arsenal to forget as Alexander Isak's goal and assist powered Newcastle United to a 2-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium, but while Mikel Arteta gave Newcastle credit for their performance,

Mikel Arteta admits it was “not good” to see swathes of Arsenal supporters leave the Emirates Stadium early during Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle. The Gunners now have a mountain to climb after a 2-0 loss at home against Eddie Howe’s side if they are to reach March’s final.

Mikel Arteta made headlines when blaming the match ball when Arsenal lost 2-0 at home to Newcastle United. As always, the Gunners boss looking for excuses when his team lose, rather than graciously accepting the defeat.

Mikel Arteta has been mocked by the Carabao Cup organisers after he suggested the match ball used for the competition impacted Arsenal's defeat to Newcastle