Mikel Arteta says he wants to draw a line under the comments he made in the aftermath of Arsenal’s 1-0 Premier League defeat to Newcastle in November.
The FA confirmed yesterday that the Spaniard won't be punished for his comment. Our manager said: “I think it was a really good, well-run process.
“It gave the opportunity for both of us to say how we felt. I think we have to draw a line now and look at how we can be more constructive.
“I felt a lot of sympathy to be fair as I explained the pressure we feel as managers and how important details are. The reality was that 14 managers lost their jobs and we depend on results. When the outcome is that important we depend on it. I think it was a really good process.”
He added: “I defended my opinion. I’m fully supportive of how we have to improve the game. We have the duty to do that. It’s good to discuss things in an open way.”
The Spaniard was enraged after VAR failed to rule out Anthony Gordon’s winning goal, but avoided an FA ban after an independent commission concluded it wasn’t his intention to insult the match officials.
Gordon’s goal was reviewed by VAR for a potential offside and a potential push on Arsenal defender Gabriel. And the technology also checked whether the ball had gone out of play in the lead-up to the strike. But the goal was allowed to stand as Arsenal were defeated for the first time since the campaign got underway.
