Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has now revealed what Mikel Arteta said to his players after the loss against Newcastle United.
Mikel Arteta was certainly not happy after the final whistle sounded at St James’ Park on Saturday. Not only had Arsenal lost for the first time the Premier League this season, the Spanish coach was adamant that the Magpies’ goal should not have stood.
He was probably also frustrated with a number of his own players. The Gunners were poor in the final third on Tyneside, and despite the controversies surrounding the hosts’ goal, Arteta may still feel that some of his defenders ought to have dealt with the threat earlier.
However, it does not seem that Arteta vented his frustrations to David Raya and his teammates after the match.
Raya opened up about what Arteta said in the dressing room in the aftermath of the game. Speaking to Sky Sports (04/11/2023, 20:00), the Spanish shot-stopper said, “he only had a little bit to say, he said he was proud of how we competed but he is frustrated with the decision.”
Mikel Arteta saves rant for the media
Arteta clearly saved his true tirade for the press. Much has been made of his outburst, with Jamie Carragher speaking out in support of Arteta’s passion.
Many of the Arsenal players should consider themselves fortunate to have avoided a dressing down from the manager. Raya himself flapped at the cross that led to the Newcastle goal. The likes of Bukayo Saka, Eddie Nketiah, and Gabriel Martinelli all also failed to pose much of a threat in the final third.
Gabriel Magalhaes earned some plaudits for his performance at the back. Overall, though, this was a sub par performance from the north London club which they need to bounce back from against Burnley next time out in the Premier League.
Arteta may not have given his players a telling off on Saturday, but he will be fiercely demanding a response to this performance throughout the coming week at London Colney.
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