Izuchukwu OkosiArsenal manager Mikel Arteta has reflected on the controversial goal handed to Newcastle United Saturday evening in their Premier League meeting at Saint Park and brands it as “disgraceful” after the goal was awarded despite the ball crossing the line in the buildup to it.
The 1-0 ‘defeat’ was Arsenal’s first of the season in a game that at best ought to end in a draw but marred by VAR.
The Toons were particularly physical in their approach and got away with so many calls albeit they would point to the tackle made by Kai Havertz against Dan Burn as worthy of being punished with a red card.
The Germany international had slid to make a recovery tackle aiming at the ball but his momentum carried him through and he inadvertently caught the defender.
Arteta spoke to the media in a no-holds barred post-match conference.
“How the hell did this goal stand up? It’s embarrassing,” the Spaniard said angrily on Saturday night.
Arteta told Sky Sports: “You look at the images and I feel, honestly… I don’t know how to feel. I’m wasting my time. We are wasting our time.
“I don’t want to be in the hands of people. It’s difficult enough to compete against this team. They are a really good team.
“But the way we played, the way we competed… it cannot continue like that. It’s embarrassing. There’s too much at stake. I repeat myself.”
Speaking to Match of the Day, Arteta blasted: “I have praised my players for the way they played and competed in this stadium against this team. The result should not be what it is – there are many reasons for that.
“Ideas,” f there was a team looking to win the game today it was Arsenal. Embarrassing what happened – how this goal stands, in the Premier League – this league we say is the best in the world. I’ve been 20 years in this country and now I feel ashamed. It’s a disgrace and there’s too much at stake here.
We are trying to do incredible things and be at the highest level each week. When we’re not good enough I hold my hands up and take responsibility.
“The outcome is nowhere near the level this league needs to have and the way this league is getting competed in. It’s not good enough. I feel embarrassed to be part of this.”
The Premier League are yet to make any comments on Arteta’s tirade.
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.
In October 2004, Okosi joined Complete Communications Limited, publishers of Complete Sports newspaper and Complete Football magazine as a reporter and later script writer for the Complete Sports studio.
He worked there for 13 years until October 2017.
Okosi also worked various times as Correspondent, Content creator and Editor at Sports Market International Magazine, Opera News, All Nigeria Soccer Media and Iconic Media Watch.
He also undertook freelance writing gigs for some local and international organizations.
Okosi is a member of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Association of Movie Producers (AMP), Association of Voiceover Artistes of Nigeria (AVOA), Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) and Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
He has been part of cast in some Nollywood movies and radio dramas including Blood Money 2, Scores To Settle, Dead End 2, Another Campus Tale and Battle Line.
Aside mainstream media and the entertainment industry, he has interests in scouting/unearthing of talents in the sports and creative sectors, exports business and property development.
Follow Us