06 November 2023 , 04:00
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The fallout continues after Arsenal lost their unbeaten record this season in controversial circumstances.
Newcastle saw off the Gunners thanks to Anthony Gordon's strike, which survived a number of VAR checks, but left Mikel Arteta fuming. The Spaniard called the decision "embarrassing" and "a disgrace" as he went on a full blown rant post-match.
The reverse means Arsenal have now lost ground to their rivals with Arteta underlining how small the margins are as they seek to win the Premier League for the first time in two decades. Attention now turns to Champions League action however with the Gunners taking on Sevilla this week.
Here's the latest from the Emirates.
Club issue VAR statement
With the dust still settling on the controversial decision to award Newcastle's winning goal, Arsenal have opted to release a statement calling for greater improvements to VAR and its officiating whilst standing by Arteta's outburst.
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"Arsenal Football Club wholeheartedly supports Mikel Arteta ’s post-match comments after yet more unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors on Saturday evening," the statement read. 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."
Read more here.
Neville criticises statement
Gary Neville claimed the north Londoners should've aired their frustration privately - not publicly - after their VAR fiasco at St James' Park. The former Manchester United player concedes he played under a manager in Sir Alex Ferguson who would go mental after some decisions, but never did they issue a statement.
He said on social media: "I played for a club where a manager went mad after games if we felt a decision had gone against us. You feel like it’s us against the world . I get it. Everyone hates us, the refs are out to stitch us up and theirs bias v us. However I can never remember the club writing letters undermining the system and the whole refereeing community.
"Arsenal’s letter and even the Liverpool statement a few weeks ago ( they had a genuine bad one v them ) are wrong. Do it privately . If I was Howard Webb I would stop apologising to them and get on with it. Managers and players make far more mistakes than refs!"
Read more here.
Antony Gordon's strike on Saturday night greatly angered Arsenal (CameraSport via Getty Images)AI names Wenger's best signings
Arsene Wenger unearth several gems during his lengthy tenure in north London, several of them going on to help Arsenal claim Premier League glory.
AI has assessed which on the Frenchman's signings stood out with Thierry Henry, the club's record goalscorer, unsurprisingly recognised as the best player Wenger ever bought, despite the striker's surprisingly slow start to life at Highbury. Several other Invincibles have also been rated in the top five - see the full list here.