I don't there is much if any tarmac at the Etihad. I think most of the surface is asphalt or concrete. I am not sure that the problem lies with it being 'poorly laid'?
Unless the paved areas are laid to falls, puddles are inevitable. Even if the area was perfectly flat, this would still arise. Remember that the Etihad is built over a disused coal mine. It should be no surprise to find some minor subsidence here and there. It would be more of a shock if there was no depressions.
It remains a design fault and not a construction fault.