Mikel Arteta's Reflections on Last Season's Defeat

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal's determined manager, has voiced his desire to move on from last season's controversial loss to Newcastle, where an Anthony Gordon goal ignited a fiery response from him. Reflecting on that match which ended 1-0 against his side, Arteta admitted he hasn’t revisited the sequence of events that fueled his outrage, branding them “embarrassing” and “a disgrace,” especially since the contentious goal survived three VAR checks.

Disciplinary Action and Moving Forward

In the aftermath of that heated encounter, Arteta faced disciplinary action from the Football Association for his conduct but was ultimately exonerated by an independent panel. Looking back at the dispute with PGMOL, he expressed hope that the tensions are firmly behind him and the club. “A year in football is a long, long time,” he noted, emphasizing that every club has its share of controversies and historical moments that contribute to the narrative of the game.

Navigating Pressure and Scrutiny

Arteta is keenly aware that every decision he makes on the field comes with scrutiny and mixed opinions from fans and analysts alike. “There are always going to be opinions about our jobs, that's normal,” he acknowledged, hinting at the pressure that comes with the role.

Injury Updates Ahead of St. James' Park Clash

Ahead of the upcoming match at St. James' Park, Arteta confirmed that Martin Ødegaard remains sidelined due to an ankle injury, while Ben White is a doubt with a joint issue. On a positive note, Gabriel Magalhães is on the verge of a comeback from a knee injury, pending a successful training session. “He hasn’t had any training sessions yet, but if he completes today’s session, he will be available for selection,” Arteta disclosed.

Building Excitement for the Upcoming Fixture

As Arsenal gears up for this crucial fixture nearly a year after the contentious defeat, fans are eager to see how the team will respond. Will Arteta's side find revenge on the pitch, or will they be haunted by past mistakes? The excitement builds as the Gunners march into a thrilling encounter that promises to be more than just another game. Stay tuned!