Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, remains optimistic about the team’s chances in the Premier League top four race despite a 3-0 loss to Tottenham.
Harry Kane’s brace and Son Heung-min’s second-half goal on Thursday night dashed Arsenal’s hopes of securing a top-four finish, leaving the teams separated by just one point.
Arteta, however, directed blame at referee Paul Tierney rather than his players for the defeat.
Speaking to BBC Sport, he stated: “I have already picked them up (referring to his players).
“This game is history and all our focus is on 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.”
In another interview with Sky Sports, he expressed: “If I say what I think I am suspended for six months.
“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.”