Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta has reiterated that the Gunners is still in the top four race of the Premier League despite losing 3-0 to Tottenham on Thursday.
Two goals from Harry Kane and Son Heung-min’s second-half effort gave a dent to the Gunners’ top four hopes, closing the gap with Spurs to just one point.
Arteta could not resist the temptation of slamming referee Paul Tierney after the game, accusing the Englishman of destroying the beautiful game.
However, the former Manchester City assistant coach has revealed his discussion with Arsenal players, telling BBC Sport: “I have already picked them up.
“This game is history and all our focus is Newcastle, Newcastle, Newcastle. I told them I was so proud of them and if we do what we did in the first half an hour here, we will be fine against Newcastle.
“I worry a lot about today. I really, really worry about today, but I don’t worry about the performance of my players. I want to be where we deserve to be.”
Arteta Aggrieved With Referee Decision
“If I say what I think I am suspended for six months,” Arteta told Sky Sports. “I don’t know how to lie so I prefer not to say what I think. I cannot say what I think.
“I want the referees to come in front of the camera and explain his decisions. It’s a shame because such a beautiful game was destroyed today.
“I am not unhappy with my players. I am proud of my players. The decision was made. We can’t change it. The referee has to make a decision in football.”
Personal life
Arteta was born 26 March 1982 in San Sebastián, in northern Spain’s mountainous Basque Country. He is multilingual, and is fluent in Spanish, Basque, Catalan and English. He also speaks some French, Italian and Portuguese.
He is married to Argentine-Spanish actress, television host, and model Lorena Bernal. The couple have three children: Gabriel (born 2009), Daniel (born 2012) and Oliver (born 2015).
