Arsenal goalkeeper blames Puma ball for goal conceded against Liverpool.

Arsenal goalkeeper complains about new balls in the Premier League

According to The Sun: Arsenal's goalkeeper David Raya admitted it was difficult for him to adjust to the new Premier League ball during the match against Liverpool, where he conceded a goal.

The 29-year-old Spaniard failed to stop a free kick from Dominik Szoboszlai from 30 yards at Anfield.

After the defeat and loss of three points, Raya expressed dissatisfaction with the switch to the new Puma balls this season. This issue was also raised by Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta, who criticized the new balls after a League Cup loss to Newcastle in January.

“It's a different ball, so we need to adapt to it. The grip is different, the strike is different. We just need to get used to it after many years with the Nike ball. It's the same for everyone,” Raya noted.

Speaking about the team's attempts to attack the opponent, the goalkeeper added:

“We showed a lot of character to hold Liverpool off. We need to take the positive from this. These are small details and a magical moment from their side.”

Raya conceded a goal seven minutes before the end of the match. Now he has to hope he adjusts to the new ball before Arsenal's next game after the international break.

“It's a shame I couldn't save it. Like with every conceded goal. I think it was just a stunning strike. I remember how the ball moved strongly and went away from me,” he said.

Arteta has also repeatedly expressed his concerns about the new Puma balls earlier this year, when his team lost to Newcastle 0-2.

“We also scored a lot of goals from outside the box, and it's hard, as these balls fly very fast, so there are details we can improve,” he shared his thoughts.

“It's just different. Very different from the Premier League ball, and we need to adapt to it.”

The introduction of new Puma balls indicates changes in the Premier League, which may affect team performances. Players and coaches, as evident from Arteta and Raya's comments, are struggling to adapt to the new playing conditions. How the team will respond to these challenges in future matches remains to be seen, but for now, players will need to find effective ways to prepare for important fixtures.