Mikel Arteta rages at Anthony Gordon goal in Arsenal loss to Newcastle - 'It is a disgrace. I feel sick.'

Mikel Arteta launched a withering attack on the match officials following Arsenal’s 1-0 loss to Newcastle United in the Premier League.

The Gunners surrendered their unbeaten record when Anthony Gordon netted the winner for Newcastle at St James’ Park.

Gordon’s goal was shrouded in controversy, as it took over four minutes for it to be awarded as VAR assessed a series of incidents before referee Stuart Attwell confirmed it was legal.

There was doubt as to whether the ball remained in play when Joe Willock retrieved it near the corner flag before crossing into the box.

After a lengthy check, it was deemed the ball had stayed in play but there was another review following Willock’s cross for a possible foul by Joelinton.

Once Joelinton had been deemed not to have committed an offence, a final check for offside took place - after which the goal was awarded.

The chain of events left Arteta deeply frustrated, as his side lost ground on leaders Manchester City who won 6-1 earlier in the day.

“I am praising my players for the performance and the way they played,” Arteta told Sky Sports. “We did not deserve to lose the match.

“We lose the match for the clear and obvious decisions, it is embarrassing.

“It is a disgrace, that is what it is, a disgrace.”

Asked if Arsenal would be seeking out the referees’ body, PGMOL, Arteta replied: “We have been taking this up for many months. There is so much at stake, we put in so many hours.

“I am here to represent my football club and to get my team to compete at the highest level, the margins are so small. It is a disgrace, it is embarrassing.

“That is how I feel, it is how everyone feels in that room.

“This cannot continue, it is embarrassing. It is not acceptable, there is too much at stake.”

Arteta continued his attack in his press conference, saying decisions such as the Gordon goal were impacting on the standing of the Premier League.

Arteta said: “I have been in this country for more than 20 years, and this is nowhere near the level to describe this as the best league in the world."

Concluding his press conference, Arteta said: "I feel sick to be part of this, sick."

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