It's different — Arsenal star blames ball for Liverpool defeat

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has blamed his unfamiliarity with the new Puma ball used in the Premier League for his failure to stop Dominik Szoboszlai’s sensational free kick, which helped Liverpool beat Arsenal at Anfield. 

Despite losing William Saliba to injury early on, Arsenal started brightly, creating the first real opening through Noni Madueke, whose effort was saved by Alisson Becker. 

Both sides played cautiously, and although David Raya’s error gifted Virgil van Dijk a chance, Liverpool couldn’t punish it. Arsenal’s threat from corners was evident, but Klopp’s side held firm to reach half-time goalless.

After the break, Madueke remained Arsenal’s main outlet, while Hugo Ekitike briefly thought he had scored before being denied by the offside flag. Eberechi Eze made his debut, combining with Ødegaard, but neither found a breakthrough.

Dominik Szoboszlai’s stunning free-kick proved decisive, extending Liverpool’s record scoring streak and flawless start. Arsenal, though disciplined, left empty-handed.

The Spaniard was caught out by Szoboszlai’s audacious effort, and after the match, he claimed to be unfamiliar with the new Puma balls used in the Premier League.

"It's different to the Nike ball so we have to adapt to it. The grip is different, the kick is different. We just have to adapt after playing with the Nike ball for many years. It's the same for everybody,” he said, per the BBC.

"We wanted to go forward to attack them, to keep them quiet in the first half. We showed a lot of character to keep Liverpool quiet. You have to take the positives from it. It's fine margins and a magical moment from them.

"We haven't been beaten from the top six clubs in many games. There are a lot of steps forward to take and learn in every single aspect. There's always things you have to learn."