The post-match comments by Mikel Arteta after Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to Newcastle won’t see an immediate punishment. Arteta condemned VAR decisions in the game, referring to it as “embarrassing” and a “disgrace,” which led to speculation about potential disciplinary action. The controversial Gordon’s goal – Getty image However, while Arteta was only expressing his frustration with the VAR team regarding Anthony Gordon’s contentious winner, he didn’t question their integrity. According to the Sun UK, the delay responding to Arteta is due to the need to review all of the manager’s post-match comments before deciding whether he will face any charges. The FA disciplinary committee will most likely, provide a response on the matter on Tuesday (today), according to reports.
Arsenal release official statement, siding Mikel Arteta critique of VAR, refereeing errors
Arsenal have released an official statement fully endorsing Mikel Arteta after his post-match comments, in which he criticized VAR. Arsenal lost their first Premier League game of the season in a controversial encounter with Newcastle United. The match at St James’ Park on Saturday, saw Anthony Gordon score the only goal of the game, after several minutes of VAR check. Meanwhile, Arsenal have now come out to defend their head coach, recognizing effort and performance displayed by the Arsenal players during match. The goal by Anthony Gordon during the match – Getty image Below is the statement: “Arsenal Football Club wholeheartedly supports Mikel Arteta’s post-match comments after yet more unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors on Saturday evening. “We’d also like to acknowledge the huge effort and performance from our players and travelling supporters at St James’ Park. “The Premier League is the best league in the world with the best players, coaches and supporters, all of whom deserve better. “PGMOL urgently needs to address the standard of officiating and focus on action which moves us all on from retrospective analysis, attempted explanations and apologies. “We support the ongoing efforts of Chief Refereeing Officer, Howard Webb and would welcome working together to achieve the world-class officiating standards our league demands.”
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta addresses rumours of PSG interest
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has reiterated that he is happy at the London-based club while responding to recent speculation linking him with a move to PSG. The 41-year-old has been in charge of Arsenal since December 2019, and he led the club to a second-placed finish in the 2022-23 Premier League table. The Gunners led the table for 248 days before being overtaken by Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side. Mikel Arteta thanking Arsenal fans after a match. Source: Reuters Following the departure of Christophe Galtier, PSG are in search of a new manager. Several names, including Jose Mourinho and Julian Nagelsmann, have been linked to the position, with Arteta also reportedly considered a candidate. Arteta had previously played for PSG during a loan spell from Barcelona between 2000 and 2002, making a potential return to Paris an intriguing prospect. Reacting to claims of alleged interest from PSG, Mikel Arteta told Spanish outlet Marca; “I can only say that I am happy at Arsenal. I feel loved, valued by our owners, Stan and Josh [Kroenke], and I have a lot to do here at this club. I am happy and tremendously grateful to be at Arsenal.” While Arteta appeared to rule out an immediate move to PSG, he hinted that a return to his home country of Spain could be a possibility in the future. He said; “Spain is my country. I have been away for many years and at some point, it could be an option to return to the league and have other experiences. But not now.” Arsenal players celebrating a goal against Wolves. Source: Reuters Arteta also said that he is pleased to have helped Arsenal ‘regain their soul’ following a difficult period in the club’s history. He added; “It started three years ago. I was Pep [Guardiola]’s assistant at [Manchester] City, we were playing Arsenal and I could see that the soul of the club had been lost. “There was no enjoyment, no feeling. I knew there was the option of, soon after, being in the other dugout and I knew that this club is so big that we had to connect the team with the fans. “It has been hard to do and undo… but now I feel happy. We have a clear identity, there is unity and we are full of energy. That’s the greatest thing. From top to bottom, everyone is pushing in the same direction. We give the fans something to dream about and be proud of. And now, we have to win more.”
Arteta tackles Arsenal players after draw to Southampton
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has shared his frustration with his team getting a draw against Southampton on Friday, April 21, with few matches to go this season. Arsenal found themselves 2-0 down in the first 15 minutes of the match, but they got a draw in the match following late goals from Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka earned a point for the home team. Shutting down claims of his players lacking confidence, Arteta stated that they should know they can’t give away goals again. He said; “The concern is turning around those moments, especially if the players in some moments are in doubt. In football you go through moments when you make errors and are not in a good moment, but you have to come away from that. “I don’t see a lack of confidence. When a team does that normally players start to hide. I didn’t see a single player do that. They were all willing to take risks and initiative. That’s why we got back from 3-1 to 3-3 and should have won the game. The confidence is there. It’s just those moments. At this level you cannot give the goals away that we did. Simple as that.” Arsenal are five points clear at the top of the Premier League, but their closest challengers Manchester City have two games in hands and the draw last night means the London club might have handed the title to Pep Guardiola’s team.
Pepe questions Arteta and Arsenal’s choices
Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe who is now on loan to Nice, has lashed out at the club and its coach, Mikel Arteta, over some of their choices. Pepe endured a tough time at Arsenal and failed to nail down a consistent starting place, believes he could have been an important player for the Gunners in their Premier League title push. Speaking at press conference, the footballer who joined Nice on loan for the season and has scored six goals in 17 appearances, said; “I don’t know what Arsenal want. I still have a lot of friends there. I could have been important for the club, but those are the coach’s choices.”
It’s the loudest – Arteta reacts to Arsenal’s comeback against Bournemouth
Mikel Arteta has said that Arsenal’s late comeback against Bournemouth on Saturday, March 4, was the “most emotional and loudest” moment he has shared with his team. Arsenal conceded just nine seconds into the game and were pushed further behind following another goal from Bournemouth in the early minutes of the second half. The Gunners however came from two goals down to win 3-2 in dramatic fashion thanks to a 97th minute goal from Reiss Nelson. The win restored Arsenal’s five-point lead at the top of the Premier League. Arteta who spoke to reporters after the match said; “It’s probably the loudest and the most emotional moment that we have lived together. The journey that we’ve been on together and how the supporters and the players are gliding together. Adding into that moment, it’s really special. “Winning four games in the Premier League is very difficult and we have done three in a week, which is even harder. We have done it in various ways and that should generate more belief. Today a lot of things went against the team.”
Jorginho says Mikel Arteta reminds him of former Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri
Arsenal midfielder Jorginho has said that his new manager Mikel Arteta reminds him of Maurizio Sarri, who he worked with at Chelsea and Napoli. Jorginho who spent five years at Chelsea before his surprise move to Arsenal, said he’s been impressed with the way Arteta has so far managed the club. He told BeIN Sport; “He [Arteta] reminds me a little bit of Sarri. I am used to working with a manager that looks into the details. For me, details make the difference in the end between a good team and a winning team. “I am sure, 100 percent, that he worships [the details] so much. I’ve only been here a short time but I’m sure every day there is going to be something new and that’s why I’m so excited as well because I can see that I have so much to learn here.”
Arteta laments over Premier League schedule ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Aston Villa
Arsenal’s coach, Mikel Arteta has bemoaned the Premier League schedule which he described as “difficult” ahead of today’s match against Aston Villa. Arsenal, who were kicked off the top of the Premier League table following a 3-1 defeat to Manchester City on Wednesday, February 15, will be facing Aston Villa at lunchtime today. Speaking up against the “difficult” schedule he claimed Arsenal has been subjected to, Arteta that rules for Champions League teams should be instituted. He said; “There are certain rules with the Champions League. When you are playing on Wednesday night and then you cannot play [on Saturday lunchtime]. So I think that should apply to any competition. But I think following the same principle, physiologically, that is very difficult to turn around on that period to get the best outcome and reduce the injury risk for players, but that’s it.”
Arteta says he does not want title battle with his friend Guardiola
Mikel Arteta, coach of Premier League leaders, Arsenal, has explained why he doesn’t want a rivalry in the title race with Pep Guardiola, who is the head coach of second-placed Manchester City. With Arsenal scheduled to face Manchester City in the FA Cup fourth round on Friday, January 27, Arteta expressed hope that the struggle to win a trophy this season won’t ruin his friendship with Guardiola. Speaking at a press conference today, January 25, he said; “It’s a strange feeling. I want the best for him, genuinely, and when you are challenging with someone like this, something comes in between that. “I always hoped [Arsenal challenging City for trophies] was going to be the case one day and it’s happening this season. That’s not going to change any friendship, the moments that we have, how important he is in my life, how important he is in my profession. We’re both willing to win and defend our clubs in any way and that’s always been the case since day one. I would prefer to do it with someone else to be fair.” Arteta spent three years as Guardiola’s assistant before he left the Premier League champions to take over as Arsenal coach in 2019. His team are now five points clear of City at the top of the table and have lost just once in the competition this term.
Mikel Arteta fumes at referee Andy Madley for not awarding two ‘scandalous penalties’ to Arsenal
On Tuesday night, Arsenal was held to a 0-0 draw by Newcastle at the Emirates stadium in London.
Speaking after the match, Arsenal’s coach Mikel Arteta who highlighted how Newcastle’s coach, Eddie Howe adapted his game plan to match that of his team, also lashed out at referee Andy Madley for not awarding two ‘scandalous penalties’ to the London-based club.
Arteta said;
“There were two penalties. It’s very simple. I’m talking about what I’ve seen. It was two scandalous penalties. Newcastle wanted to set-up like this. It is not the way they play. They have not set-up like this against anyone else.
“When you cannot win you cannot lose and we kept a clean sheet and had a really good performance. Now we go again. We should have done some things better in the final third and we should have had two penalties to win the game.”