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.

Mikel Arteta has come under fire for his comments regarding the ball in Arsenal's 2-0 loss to Newcastle - and the EFL have now had their say.

Mikel Arteta reacts to Arsenal's 2-0 loss to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup semifinal first leg.

League Cup organisers have poked fun at Mikel Arteta after the Arsenal manager suggested the "tricky" match ball played a part in his side's defeat by Newcastle.Arteta is under pressure to deliver his second trophy as Arsenal manager,

Arsenal have been dealt a slight curveball ahead of their clash against Manchester United. Mikel Arteta will lock horns with Ruben Amorim at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday as they both look to book a place in the FA Cup fourth round.

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.

Emmanuel Petit has identified the three signings Mikel Arteta needs to make in January to kick-start Arsenal’s season and admits he is getting ‘frustrated’ and ‘annoyed’ by Gabriel Martinelli. The Gunners are struggling to show the consistency that enabled them to rival Manchester City for the Premier League title over the past two seasons.

Tuesday's 2-0 loss to Newcastle United in the first leg of Arsenal's semifinal tie in the Carabao Cup was the latest example of the struggles manager Mikel Arteta is having to deal with personnel-wise.