New Football Seems Harder for Goalkeepers

This football season, more goals are being scored from free kicks and long shots. Goalkeepers are making more mistakes. Some people think the new Puma football might be part of the reason why. Players need time to get used to the new ball.
By Newsroom | Football, Premier League |

An elevated frequency of goals scored from direct free-kicks and shots taken from outside the penalty area is a notable trend in the current Premier League season. Concurrently, goalkeepers are experiencing a higher rate of errors and struggling with performance consistency. This report investigates whether the new official match ball, manufactured by Puma, is a contributing factor to these observable shifts, with specific attention paid to the circumstances surrounding Dominik Szoboszlai's notable free-kick goal against Arsenal and goalkeeper David Raya's subsequent statements.

Goals from free-kicks and from outside the box are up, David Raya says there's a difference, keepers are struggling and Dominik Szoboszlai keeps scoring worldies. So do the experts think this season's Puma ball is the reason? - 1

Increased Scoring from Distance and Goalkeeping Challenges

This football season has seen a noticeable increase in goals scored from set-pieces and long-range attempts. Simultaneously, goalkeeping performances have been under scrutiny, with several high-profile errors impacting match outcomes. This has led to questions about the factors influencing these developments, particularly concerning the equipment used.

Read More: England Lionesses Prepare for World Cup Qualifiers with New Players

Goals from free-kicks and from outside the box are up, David Raya says there's a difference, keepers are struggling and Dominik Szoboszlai keeps scoring worldies. So do the experts think this season's Puma ball is the reason? - 2

  • Dominik Szoboszlai's striking prowess: The Hungarian midfielder has demonstrated exceptional ability from free-kicks, scoring remarkable goals that have captured attention.

  • David Raya's performance under pressure: Arsenal's goalkeeper, David Raya, has faced significant attention regarding his form and a perceived increase in errors, leading to debate about his suitability for the No. 1 position.

  • Goalkeeping errors at top clubs: Clubs like Chelsea and Arsenal have experienced uncharacteristic goalkeeping mistakes, contributing to unexpected results.

The Puma Ball: A Shift in Aerodynamics?

The introduction of the new Puma Orbita Ultimate PL ball for the 2025/26 Premier League season has coincided with the rise in spectacular long-range goals. Players and experts alike are assessing its characteristics and potential impact on gameplay.

Goals from free-kicks and from outside the box are up, David Raya says there's a difference, keepers are struggling and Dominik Szoboszlai keeps scoring worldies. So do the experts think this season's Puma ball is the reason? - 3

  • Comparison with previous balls: David Raya, in particular, has stated that the Puma ball feels and behaves differently compared to the Nike balls used previously. He notes that the "grip is different, the kick is different."

  • Color's influence: It has been suggested that even the color of a football can alter its perceived speed, adding another variable to player adaptation.

  • Expert opinions on ball testing: Football analysts have tested various ball brands, including Puma, Nike, Mitre, and Adidas, to understand their unique properties and how they influence the game.

Szoboszlai's Free-Kick: A Moment of Brilliance or Ball Influence?

Dominik Szoboszlai's free-kick goal against Arsenal, which secured a 1-0 victory for Liverpool, has become a focal point in discussions about the new ball. The quality of the strike itself is undeniable, but Raya's reaction has added a layer of complexity.

Read More: Tottenham's Next Games Look Tough

Goals from free-kicks and from outside the box are up, David Raya says there's a difference, keepers are struggling and Dominik Szoboszlai keeps scoring worldies. So do the experts think this season's Puma ball is the reason? - 4

  • Szoboszlai's skill and confidence: The midfielder described his winning goal as a "risk" he was confident in taking, indicating a high level of self-belief and deliberate execution. He also highlighted the importance of practice in developing such skills.

  • Raya's explanation: David Raya, after the match, suggested that the new Puma ball made it "difficult to judge the flight" of Szoboszlai's free-kick. He stated, "The new PUMA Orbita Ultimate PL ball was unveiled ahead of the new season. Asked if it feels like the balls are moving differently, Raya said: 'They're very different to the Nike balls so we still have to adapt to it.'" This statement has been interpreted by some as a "bizarre excuse" or a "laughable excuse," while others see it as a candid admission of a new challenge.

  • "Worldie" goals and increasing frequency: The phenomenon of players scoring "worldies" (spectacular goals) appears to be on the rise, prompting questions about whether the ball is facilitating such feats.

Goalkeeper Struggles and External Pressures

Beyond the potential impact of the ball, goalkeepers, particularly David Raya, have been subject to intense scrutiny and criticism.

Read More: Manchester United Might Try to Sign Liverpool Player Alexis Mac Allister

  • Gary Neville's assessment: Commentator Gary Neville suggested that David Raya was "getting hot" under the pressure of being Arsenal's No. 1, especially in his competition with Aaron Ramsdale. Neville felt Raya was making mistakes due to this pressure.

  • Mikel Arteta's defense: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta publicly rejected Gary Neville's claims, defending Raya and stating that playing for a big club inherently comes with pressure.

  • Goalkeeping coach's observation: Raya's former coach at Brentford, Pavon, was observed for his reaction to Raya's performance, highlighting the focus on the goalkeeper's mental state.

Expert Analysis: Adapting to New Variables

Football analysts and former players are weighing in on the season's trends and the role of the new ball.

"It’s different to the Nike ball so we have to adapt. The grip is different, the kick is different. Even different colours of a ball can make a difference to how quick it feels."

— Article 1 (Daily Mail)

"'He looks like a bag of nerves right now,' Redknapp said. 'Raya is really struggling with the pressure and the scrutiny he's under."

— Article 2 (Daily Mail)

"The new PUMA Orbita Ultimate PL ball was unveiled ahead of the new season. Asked if it feels like the balls are moving differently, Raya said: 'They're very different to the Nike balls so we still have to adapt to it.'"

— Article 6 (Daily Mail)

"Mikel Arteta has rejected Gary Neville's comments claiming David Raya is feeling the pressure as Arsenal's new number one goalkeeper."

— Article 5 (Daily Mail)

"Dominik Szoboszlai gained the perfect reward for the ‘risk’ he took in converting a stunning free-kick to give Liverpool victory over Arsenal."

— Article 11 (Liverpool FC)

Conclusion: A Multifaceted Challenge for Goalkeepers

The current season's increase in goals from distance and goalkeeping difficulties appear to stem from a confluence of factors rather than a single cause.

Read More: Anfield's Curse Strikes City! Guardiola's Title Defense Crumbles Under Injury Crisis?

  • Ball adaptation: The transition to the new Puma ball has introduced a period of adjustment for players, with goalkeepers like David Raya explicitly noting differences in its flight and feel. This adaptation is a common occurrence with new ball designs in football.

  • Individual performance and pressure: David Raya's form has been a significant talking point, with some commentators attributing his struggles to external pressure and internal competition, while his manager defends him.

  • Player skill: The exceptional skill demonstrated by players like Dominik Szoboszlai in executing difficult shots and free-kicks cannot be discounted. His successful strike was a testament to his ability and preparation.

The ongoing performance of goalkeepers throughout the season will provide further data on whether the initial challenges are a temporary adjustment to new equipment or a more sustained shift in goalkeeping effectiveness against an evolving attacking landscape.

Read More: Champions League Knockout Draws Are Set for New Format

Sources Used:

Read More: Carrick's Manchester United FACES Tottenham Curse: Can They BREAK 8-Year Jinx?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are goalkeepers making more mistakes this season?
Yes, some goalkeepers have made more mistakes than usual this season. This has led to more goals being scored against them.
Q: Is the new football causing problems?
Some players, like goalkeeper David Raya, say the new Puma ball feels different. They think it might be harder to judge its flight, which could lead to more goals.
Q: What is Dominik Szoboszlai's goal related to this?
Dominik Szoboszlai scored a great free-kick goal. Goalkeeper David Raya said the new ball made it hard to stop.
Q: Is it just the ball?
No, it might be a mix of things. The new ball is one reason. Goalkeepers also face pressure. And players like Szoboszlai are very skilled.