Mikel Arteta expressed his frustration after Arsenal’s 1-0 loss to Newcastle due to a contentious goal, but it’s possible he won’t face disciplinary action from the FA.
Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, vented his displeasure following the team’s 1-0 defeat to Newcastle. His anger stemmed from referee Stuart Attwell’s decision to allow Anthony Gordon’s 64th-minute winning goal, even after the goal underwent three separate VAR checks.
While Arteta’s post-match comments, where he labeled the decision-making as “embarrassing” and “an absolute disgrace” following the end of Arsenal’s unbeaten Premier League streak, might have seemed like they could lead to FA punishment, he carefully avoided accusing officials of bias and refrained from being abusive towards them. This approach may keep him out of trouble despite his strong emotions.
Arteta stated, “Embarrassing what happened – how this goal stands, in the Premier League – this league we say is the best in the world. I’ve been in this country for 20 years, and now I feel ashamed. It’s a disgrace, and there’s too much at stake here. We are trying to do incredible things and be at the highest level each week. When we’re not good enough, I hold my hands up and take responsibility. The outcome is nowhere near the level this league needs to have and the way this league is getting competed in. It’s not good enough. I feel embarrassed to be part of this.”
Arsenal’s goalkeeper, David Raya, supported his manager’s perspective, asserting that the goal, which was scrutinized for the ball potentially going out of play during the build-up, a potential foul by Joelinton on Gabriel, and the possibility of Gordon being offside, should never have been allowed. Raya said, “What I could see was the ball went out of play, and then after going to the dressing room, looking back at the goal, it’s a big foul on Gabi. He’s pushing him with two hands on his back when he’s about to clear the ball. It could have been an offside position – that’s harder to see – but the ball out of play and the foul is a massive decision that’s just going to cost us some points. We’re really frustrated.”
Arsenal aims to channel their frustration positively in the Champions League when they face Sevilla at home on Wednesday night. A victory would give them nine points out of a possible 12, with upcoming matches against Lens at home and PSV away in Group B.