Arsenal boss Arteta stands by criticism of officials: 'It is my duty to defend the club'

Gunners manager refuses to backtrack on comments he made after defeat at Newcastle on Saturday

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta talks to fourth official Graham Scott during the Premier League defeat at Newcastle. Getty Images

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has defended his criticism of match officials following his team's Premier League defeat at Newcastle United on Saturday.

The Gunners were beaten 1-0 at St James' Park after Anthony Gordon's controvserial goal earned the Magpies all three points, ending Arsenal's unbeaten record this season.

There was a lengthy wait before the goal was given with VAR checking whether the ball had gone out of play before Joe Willock crossed the ball, a potential foul by Joelinton on Gabriel and also whether Gordon was offside.

And Arteta did not hold back after the match calling the decision, which took more than four minutes to arrive, "embarrassing" and "a disgrace".

Arsenal then released an official statement in support of their manager. "The Premier League is the best league in the world with the best players, coaches and supporters, all of whom deserve better," the club said.

"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."

Former Manchester United defender and Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville described the statement as "really poor" and that "Arsenal as an institution or a football club with massive history, should behave better."

But, ahead of Arsenal's Champions League clash against Sevilla at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, Arteta refused to row back on his comments – for which he is likely to face at least a fine and possibly a touchline ban – or the club's statement.

Newcastle 1 Arsenal 0: Player ratings

NEWCASTLE RATINGS: Busier of two keepers in first half although only one shot, hit straight at him by Martinelli, to save. Turned out to be only Arsenal effort on target. AFP

Making his 150th Premier League start and much improved after dreadful show at Wolves last week. Link-up with Almiron impressive again. Switched flanks in second half due to Burn injury and was equally good. Getty Images

One of three Newcastle players booked for complaining about Havertz’s first-half tackle on Longstaff. Outstanding from Swiss centre-back who is now one of Newcastle’s most reliable players. AF

Has been with the club nearly 10 years but this will count as one of finest performances. Numerous perfectly-timed tackles and interceptions, won countless headers in box and from player who is only in team due to Sven Botman’s injury. Reuters

Injured his back in first half after landing awkwardly and looked like he might have to come off. Tried to play on but clearly in some discomfort so no surprise when he came off at break. Had done well up against dangerman Saka. AFP

Lucky avoid injury when Havertz when through him on byline but was then booked protesting about it afterwards. Snapped at Arsenal heels throughout and stood up well to challenge of taking on a top-notch player like Rice in Arsenal midfield. AFP

In thick of action for entire game. Surging runs, great passing, dragged one shot wide of target but then lucky to avoid punishment for thumping Jorginho round the head with his arm. Finally picked up booking in second half for dissent. AFP

Involved in game’s key moment when he beat Gabriel to header in box before Gordon scored which VAR decided was not a foul. Usual powerhouse in midfield and celebrated one late tackle like a goal. EPA

Relentless running at both ends of pitch epitomises everything good about Eddie Howe’s side. Enjoys great partnership with Trippier down Newcastle right and pace always a danger. AFP

Booked after aftermath of Havertz’s Longstaff tackle then frustrated after first touch let him down in Gunners penalty area with shooting opportunity on. Poked home from two metres out in 64th minute, but only after lengthy VAR check. AFP

Newcastle’s top scorer would have been relieved to see offside flag go up in first half after blazing close-range shot over bar. Went toe-to-toe with Gabriel from first whistle. Held ball up well but opportunity to add to his seven goals this season never arrived. EPA

SUBS: (On for Burn 46’) Played superbly in League Cup wins over both Manchester clubs and continued that form here. Left Martinelli a frustrated figure with his performance after coming on at right back. PA

(On for Wilson 63’) Former Arsenal player kept ball in play before providing cross into box that led to Gordon scoring winner. Reuters

(On for Almiron 63’) Had shot that flew across face of goal soon after coming on, but Willock kept ball alive and Newcastle scored seconds later. Left frustrated when dislocated shoulder for second time in matter of weeks. PA

(On for Murphy 79’) Getty Images

ARSENAL RATINGS: Never had a serious save to make over 90 minutes but flapped at Willock cross ahead of Gordon’s winner as Arsenal lost for the first time in the Premier League this season. Reuters

Usual reliable day's work from the right-back who was part of tight Arsenal defensive performance. Kept on toes by pace of Gordon. Reuters

French defender is just ice cool at the back, never gets ruffled, timing on challenges is immaculate and combined well with Gabriel to deny Newcastle dangerman Wilson any sight of goal. All four cnetre-backs on show at St James' Park were excellent. Getty Images

Involved in enjoyable physical battle with Wilson although did not cover himself in glory when he rolled around on floor holding face after one minor scuffle. Gunners felt he was pushed over just before Gordon scoring. Getty Images

Nutmegged in spectacular fashion by Trippier in first half. Japanese left-back kept busy by Newcastle’s Trippier-Almiron combo. Switched flanks after White came off in second half. Reuters

Captain on night for Gunners was on the receiving end of a couple challenges from Guimaraes that should have seen Newcastle midfielder booked. Kept things simple rarely wasted a pass. Reuters

A class act in midfield. Wins tackles, carries ball forward and generally picks out the right pass. Involved in minor scuffle with Guimaraes. Headed chance wide on the hour that came just a few minutes before Newcastle scoring. AFP

Very quiet first half when he was well marked by Burn. Then up against Trippier after break and got no joy out of his England teammate either. PA

Had first-half’s only shot on target from either team just before break but could only fire effort straight at Pope when well placed. Was Arsenal's only shot on target. Well marked by both Trippier and then Livramento. AFP

Shown yellow card for late tackle on Longstaff that enraged home players and fans alike. Looked terrible in real time and lucky to only catch him with trailing leg. Still not offering Gunners enough of a goal threat. EPA

Scored hat-trick against Sheffield United last week but little sniff of goal at St James’ Park. Well marked by Newcastle’s two centre-backs. AP

SUBS: (On for White 73’) Ukrainian slotted into the defence with little problem. Getty Images

(On for Nkeatiah 80’) EPA

(On for Jorginho 80’) Second Arsenal player who went down holding face after minimal contact, this time from Guimaraes. AFP

"It is my duty to stand in front of you and give a clear and honest assessment – reflect how I felt the team played and the decisions that were made," said the Spaniard.

"My duty is to defend my players and my club in best possible way. It is what I intend to do time after time. I always do it and will take my responsibility to do it. It's the way I am. I have to defend my club.

"We have a duty to express how we feel on the evidence we have. We have to stand for our people, our values and who we are.

"The club statement shows the unity and the understanding in the club in a clear and honest way. That's our duty as a club."

Asked again about his conduct and whether his actions encouraged disrespect to referees, Arteta said: "You have to understand that we have to be there and if you guys want our opinion, then we have to give it in an honest way and clear.

"Be clear and honest but respectful and value what we have and make sure we continue to evolve the game."

Arsenal could qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League if they beat Sevilla in Group B. Arteta's side are top with six points, one more than Lens and four ahead of Sevilla.

"The moment you have a chance in football to put it to bed, do it," Arteta said. "We will have to do a lot of things right tomorrow against a really good team with enormous experience."