Izuchukwu Okosi
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s was the first manager to hold a news conference on Friday ahead of the return of the Premier League action in England this weekend.
The Gunners boss was asked about the decision by the FA to charge him for his comments following the defeat to Newcastle United on November 4 and other burning issues
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAhead of Saturday evening’s tricky clash against Brentford, the Spaniard was asked about his tirade after the controversial call that culminated in the Toons’ goal.
Arteta was given up to Friday to respond to the charges after he called the refereeing decision “an absolute disgraceful.”
“We tried to give our points and our reasons why. There is a process and when you get asked to give your observations you have to do it in the right way.
“I think it’s good that we’re communicating. We all want to improve the game. To have that we have to have freedom of speech respectfully and in a constructive way. It’s good that they are talking.”
Anthony Gordon’s goal stood despite being in a suspected offside position plus the shove on the back of Gabriel Melgauehes by Joelighton and the ball crossing the line in the buildup to the goal.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta confirmed Gabriel Jesus is available for the game against Brentford. Arteta is also hopeful both captain Martin Odegaard and Ben White can both feature if they come through Friday’s training session.
On the future of Japan international Takehiro Tomiyasu, who has been linked with a a move to Bayern Munich: “I really want him to stay. I value the player a lot. He’s loved and respected by everybody at the club. He’s at the level we need to make an impact on the team. He’s going to be with us.”
When asked to comment on his former club Everton’s 10-point deduction, Arteta who captained the Merseysiders before Arsene Wenger signed him noted: “I feel very connected to the club and it is a very difficult moment as it puts the club in a difficult position but they have found themselves in a difficult position before and managed to get themselves out.
“If there are qualities that describes that club it is the coverage, determination and the fight. They will fight against anything and I wish them the best.”
Arteta on goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale’s development added: “My job is to try and help people in the very best possible way everyday to make him better and give them the best possible chance to fulfil the potential in their career and get to the highest possible position.
“There is no expectation with any player.”
Arteta confirmed Ramsdale will start against Brentford with David Raya unavailable due to being on loan from the Bees.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta on the challenge of Brentford: “Brentford are a really tough opponent and it is a difficult place to go. You look at all the clubs who go there and they make it extremely difficult. They are really effective and well coached. It will be a tough match.”
On if they will watch Manchester City against Liverpool before their game: “We watch the games for sure as we are interested in the league and we are always on top of things.”
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
