Mikel Arteta told his Arsenal players of his pride in them despite the 1-0 loss at Newcastle United on Saturday evening.
That is according to Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, who was speaking after losing at St James’ Park.
Anthony Gordon scored the only of the game for Newcastle, converting from close range in rather controversial fashion.
Arsenal feel that the ball went out of play, there was a foul in the box and then Gordon was offside of the goal.
VAR didn’t see a reason to disallow the goal though, leaving Arsenal boss Arteta absolutely fuming.
David Raya shares Mikel Arteta reaction in Arsenal dressing room
Arteta was quoted by The Mirror as saying that the goal was ‘embarrassing’ and a ‘disgrace’, believing that his side had been wronged.
Arsenal goalkeeper Raya – as quoted by BBC Sport – told Sky Sports (04/11, 8pm) that Arteta didn’t say too much to his players after the final whistle.
Raya, who was partly at fault for the goal having flapped at a cross, suggested that Arteta just told his players that he was proud of the way they competed against Newcastle.
Raya noted that Arteta only said a ‘little bit’ because he was so frustrated with the decision to award Newcastle’s goal.
“He only had a little bit to say, he said he was proud of how we competed but he is frustrated with the decision,” said Raya.Tensions between Arsenal and Newcastle continue to build
Cast your minds back to January 2023; Arsenal missed a chance to move 10 points clear of Manchester City after only drawing 0-0 with Newcastle.
It was Eddie Howe’s turn to show his frustration when the two sides met in May, cursing what he suggested was effectively time-wasting from Arsenal.
There seems to be something of a rivalry developing here, only stoked by Kai Havertz and Bruno Guimaraes dodging first-half red cards.
Arteta’s comments will stoke that rivalry again, with these games seemingly producing incident or managerial anger.
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