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Graeme Souness has defended Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta in wake of the criticism aimed his way following last week’s Premier League defeat.
The Gunners saw their unbeaten start to the season ended by Newcastle as Anthony Gordon’s controversial goal sealed a 1-0 win.
Much of the post-match discussion surrounded Gordon’s goal, with Arteta describing the decision to award the goal as “embarrassing” and a “disgrace”.
Arsenal subsequently released a statement to back their manager and demand improved performances from officials.
As per , a subsequent review from an independent panel confirmed the goal was correctly awarded, despite protestations over a foul, an offside and the ball possibly going out of play in the build-up.
Some pundits criticised Arteta’s post-match comments. For instance, Michael Owen said on that “the only ‘embarrassing’ and ‘disgraceful’ thing about it was Arteta’s behaviour”.
‘I had sympathy with Mikel Arteta’
However, Souness is on the Arsenal manager’s side, slating the media for “always want(ing) to catch you in your moment of greatest weakness, straight after a match.”
He wrote in the : “I have to say I had sympathy with Mikel Arteta over his reaction to a flagrantly poor refereeing decision last weekend. I’ve been in his shoes.
“The conclusion that Anthony Gordon’s goal for Newcastle should stand was plainly wrong to anyone with an ounce of knowledge of the game.
“And of course, Mikel was having to come to terms with the fact that those officials were equipped with the most sophisticated video technology known to man.
“You have to ask yourself how hard it must have been for him when he walked into his press conference, given that he had half an hour to calm down – yet still went for the officials and their decision-making in a big way. I can well imagine how he felt. I would have been boiling.”
Souness added: “The noise and controversy surrounding Arsenal last weekend is not something you want, as a manager.
“I love passion and I was passionate, both as a player and a manager, but I think Mikel would be wise to temper things a wee bit.
“If I were advising him I would say: ‘Remain as passionate as you are — but behind closed doors’.”
TBR View
Damned if you do and damned if you don’t. Arsenal were on the receiving end of a very controversial decision and if that doesn’t make you angry, you’re not human frankly.
Had Arteta been more aloof, people probably would’ve accused him of lacking passion. But then when the passion is there, then you get those who whinge and moan for that.
Anyway, that’s in the past now. Arsenal got back to winning ways in midweek against Sevilla and will hope for more of the same against Burnley on Saturday.