Jamie Carragher has admitted he loved Mikel Arteta’s post-match rant after Arsenal’s defeat to Newcastle United yesterday.
Mikel Arteta was left furious after his side fell to a 1-0 defeat at St James’ Park following a controversial Anthony Gordon goal.
Arsenal’s players felt the ball had gone out of play before Joe Willock whipped a cross into the box.
Gabriel Magalhaes then tussled with Joelinton before the ball fell kindly to Gordon, who lashed his effort past David Raya.
The VAR checked three possible incidents that could have led to the goal being disallowed – the ball initially being out of play before the Willock cross, a possible foul on Gabriel and an offside.
But the goal stood after the VAR found no conclusive evidence to disallow Gordon’s effort and Arteta wasn’t impressed.
Speaking on Sky Sports after the game, the Arsenal boss labelled the decision a ‘disgrace’.
“Praising my players for the way we played, we didn’t deserve to lose the match playing in their ground and we lose because of clear and obvious decisions,” he said. “It is embarrassing, it is a disgrace, that’s what it is, a disgrace.”
And while Jamie Carragher didn’t necessarily agree with Arteta’s verdict on the goal, he said he loved the passion the Gunners boss displayed after a disappointing defeat.
Carragher reacts to Arteta rant
Speaking on Sky Sports after last night’s clash at St James’ Park, Carragher delivered his verdict on Arteta’s post-match rant.
“I loved it,” the pundit said. “I love the interview, the passion and that’s what the game does to you.
“The margins now at the top end of the Premier League when you’re up against the best team in the world Manchester City and that’s what they’ve got to do this season, win the league.
“They came close last season. And that’s a manager who’s not only just frustrated with what he’s seen tonight in terms of the decisions, I think it’s a manager who knows you can’t give that team an inch. So it’s also that at the back of his head as well.
“People may look at that and think ‘what part of VAR is he questioning?’ I think it’s the ball out of play when you talk about the image.
“But they’re the interviews you want to see. I think Arsenal fans will love that interview. And I would love that if I was my manager showing that type of passion.”
Arteta has never been the type of manager who’s cautious about expressing his views to the media.
The Spaniard was evidently furious after yesterday’s game and while the decision has caused controversy, he will probably be disappointed with his side’s display too.
Arsenal struggled to create clear-cut opportunities on the day in what was a scrappy game in Tyneside.
