Full transcript of Mikel Arteta’s press conference after Newcastle defeat, he completely lost his head

Mikel Arteta was seething in his post-match press conference after Arsenal's controversial defeat to defeat to Newcastle, and gave a damning verdict of VAR.

Anthony Gordon's second-half strike was enough to seal victory for the Magpies at St James' Park.

However, Eddie Howe's celebrations will be marred by VAR's decision to award the goal, having checked three separate incidents in the lead-up to Gordon's finish.

The ball initially looked to have run out of play before Joe Willock got there, but VAR ruled that there was 'inconclusive evidence', before checking a foul on Gabriel Magalhaes.

After that was cleared, officials looked into an offside against Gordon before referee Stuart Atwell was eventually given the green light to award the goal.

And the full-time whistle, Arteta slammed VAR and the Premier League for their inconsistencies, claiming that he felt "embarrassed" to be a pat of the league. You can listen to what he said below.

"We have to talk about the result because we have to talk about how the hell this goal stand up," the Spaniard said.

"It’s incredible. I feel embarrassed, but I have to be the one to come in here and try to defend the club and please ask for help because its an absolute disgrace that this goal is allowed. It’s a disgrace

When asked why is it a disgrace, Arteta responded: "Because it’s not a goal, for many reasons it’s not a goal but for more than one reason at least.

"There's too much at stake here. We put in so much effort it’s so difficult to compete at this level and its an absolute disgrace. I feel embarrassed, I have been more than 20 years in this country and this is nowhere near the level to describe it as the best league in the world.

It was then put to the Gunners boss that three separate checks were made, with VAR having a good look at the incident.

"It makes it even worse," the 41-year-old replied. "You just need to see one image, if you see the second and thats a goal? Okay.

"I don't care [if they don't have the camera angles]. Whatever they say its too late. I don’t want to be in the hands of people.

Arteta then referenced what he perceived to be a foul on Eddie Nketiah in the penalty area, believing that his side were incredibly hard done by.

"And the penalty on Eddie, theres a lot of things," he added.

When quizzed on the exact reason why he thought Newcastle's goal should not have stood, Arteta explained: "Because for a goal to be allowed there are certain things prior to that. That the ball hit him one metre from the goal. In here, China, Japan, Spain, Italy, Portugal this is what happens.

"They have to stand here and explain. We lost three points today guys, you know what that means? It's too hard this league, theres too much at stake. It’s embarrassing.

"I have to praise them [the players]. Its not in their hands its not in their control. I have to praise the way they play. How much they limit Newcastle and how much we tried. It’s incredible.

"It’s incredible the way they play, 21-years old and the way they play here and the way they competed against this team because they are a top team so to come out with this result, I feel sick to be a part of this.

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Topics: Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, Football, Newcastle United, Premier League, VAR

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno