Bizarre - Raya blames the ball for conceding the goal

Arsenal’s goalkeeper David Raya drew attention to “the new balls” when reflecting on the stunning Dominik Szoboszlai free-kick that sealed Liverpool’s victory over the Gunners on Sunday night.

Although Arsenal dictated large spells of the game at Anfield, they failed to capitalize, and Liverpool punished them late with a moment of brilliance. Szoboszlai stepped up from 30 meters and unleashed a perfectly executed strike, full of dip and movement, which clipped Raya’s post on its way in.

After the match, Raya admitted that the flight of the ball had been difficult to read. He explained that it was “moving a lot and moving away,” noting that every player will need time to adjust to the Puma Orbita Ultimate PL — the Premier League’s newly adopted match ball for the 2025/26 season.

“I haven’t watched the goal back yet, but of course I’m disappointed not to save it, as with any goal you concede,” Raya told Sky Sports. “It’s a brilliant strike. The ball shifted a lot and drifted away from me. Hopefully, I can stop the next one. With the new balls, there’s definitely an adjustment. It’s different from the Nike ball — the grip, the feel, the way it travels. Everyone has to adapt.”

The Premier League has described the Puma ball as being designed with “enlarged and deeper seams” to boost aerodynamics and preserve its shape. It first appeared during the Summer Series in the USA and is now in full use this season.

The defeat leaves Arsenal sitting third in the table heading into the international break, while Liverpool sit on top with a perfect nine points.