Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta saw his team rally for three points against a top-six rival in a 2-1 win over Newcastle United at St. James’ Park on Sunday, but he may have a lot of negative thoughts on offer for the press in his post-match reaction.
Arteta spent extended portions of the first half protesting various calls that did not go in Arsenal’s favor, so his postmatch press conference could be spectacular.
There were several flashpoints in the first half:
- Arsenal had a penalty overturned when it was determined that Nick Pope flicked the ball away from Viktor Gyokeres before flattening the big forward.
- Newcastle forward Nick Woltemade had a hand on Gabriel Magalhaes lower back when he leapt to head home a corner kick. Gabriel flew to the turf in hopes of a foul that never arrived for the visitors.
- Magalhaes then ran out of his way to hit Woltemade in the head/neck area during the run of play. No discipline was given to the Brazilian.
Two of those three cost Arsenal goals or high-danger scoring chances, and Arteta looked apoplectic at times.
But he’ll surely temper his thoughts after Mikel Merino and Gabriel Magalhaes struck late to claim all three points in the northeast.
Mikel Arteta reaction — Arsenal boss responds to controversy-filled comeback win at Newcastle
We’ll share all of Arteta’s words as soon as he speaks from Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
