Arsenal boss Arteta stands by criticism of officials: 'It is my duty to defend the club'

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has defended his criticism of match officials following his team's Premier League defeat at Newcastle United on Saturday.

The Gunners were beaten 1-0 at St James' Park after Anthony Gordon's controvserial goal earned the Magpies all three points, ending Arsenal's unbeaten record this season.

There was a lengthy wait before the goal was given with VAR checking whether the ball had gone out of play before Joe Willock crossed the ball, a potential foul by Joelinton on Gabriel and also whether Gordon was offside.

And Arteta did not hold back after the match calling the decision, which took more than four minutes to arrive, "embarrassing" and "a disgrace".

Arsenal then released an official statement in support of their manager. "The Premier League is the best league in the world with the best players, coaches and supporters, all of whom deserve better," the club said.

"PGMOL urgently needs to address the standard of officiating and focus on action which moves us all on from retrospective analysis, attempted explanations and apologies."

Former Manchester United defender and Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville described the statement as "really poor" and that "Arsenal as an institution or a football club with massive history, should behave better."

But, ahead of Arsenal's Champions League clash against Sevilla at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, Arteta refused to row back on his comments – for which he is likely to face at least a fine and possibly a touchline ban – or the club's statement.

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"It is my duty to stand in front of you and give a clear and honest assessment – reflect how I felt the team played and the decisions that were made," said the Spaniard.

"My duty is to defend my