Mikel Arteta vows not to tone down his antics despite criticism as he tries to inspire Arsenal to title glory

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MIKEL ARTETA vows not to change his sideline behavior just to appease critics.

The Arsenal manager was hammered by Match of the Day specialist Alan Shearer for his histrionics in Tuesday’s goalless draw with Newcastle.

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Mikel Arteta has been criticized for his behavior on the touchline against NewcastleCredit: Rex

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The Arsenal boss was furious after his side were denied a late penaltyCredit: PA

And the Gunners were then accused by the FA of failing to control their players after they angrily circled referee Andy Madley to demand a late penalty.

But Arteta is adamant he will continue to give 100% of the technical field and should not be judged on a night of frustration.

He said: I have not read the criticism of my behavior and I am not part of this debate.

They can all have their opinion but I will always try to do my best for this football club, to defend my players.

And I will always have the passion with which I believe the game should be played. But it’s me. That’s how I am, on and off the pitch, for better and for worse.

The way I performed against Newcastle was not the same as in our previous game against West Ham and I don’t think it’s fair to take the context out of the situation.

I’ve read many times that this team is the mirror of the coach and I’m not going to change the passion I have.

I will try over time to be better but I will do everything I have to to make the club stronger, the players better and to win games.

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And if I have to change something, believe me, I’ll look in the mirror and change it very quickly.

Tuesday’s draw followed by Manchester City’s 1-0 win at Chelsea means Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League has been reduced to five points.

And Arteta is eager to boost his sides’ title chances by bolstering his squad during the January transfer window to give them the resources to hold off City’s inevitable late charge.

Arteta needs to improve his driving, says Halsey

By Mark Halsey

HOWARD WEBBS’ return to refereeing has brought a wave of optimism to English football.

The new boss of PGMOL has already shown a transparency and openness that he lacked for some time.

Webb won’t fix things overnight, but I’ve seen his early influence on VAR, which will lead to better consistency.

Arsenal’s 0-0 draw with Newcastle was a great example of VAR being less intrusive and not getting involved in incidents it didn’t need with more referees on the pitch making decisions crucial.

I disagreed with Gunners boss Mikel Artetas’ claim that they should have been awarded a late penalty for a handball from winger Jacob Murphy.

And it’s no surprise the FA have accused Arsenal of failing to vet their players.

Murphy had his arm in a natural position and the proximity to the cross also showed referee Andy Madley got the call from the spot. But in the past, VAR may have stepped in to create additional confusion that the game doesn’t need.

I believe Madley called it correctly with everyone understanding her decision since except Arteta.

Webb plans to meet with Premier League officials this month and Arteta will have the opportunity to ask further questions, but I’m sure Webb will also want to update the Spaniard on his actions on the touchline.

Arteta must remember that he is a role model for the game and his antics, as I mentioned before with Liverpools Jurgen Klopp, have fallen below the standards we expect.

Arteta needs to improve his pitchside driving going forward.

The club are still locked in negotiations with Shakhtar Donetsk over Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk, but Chelsea are trying to hijack the deal.

Arsenal have already had two offers rejected by Shakhtar, the latest worth up to 62 million, but refuse to be outbid by Chelsea.

Arteta added: We have to compete with them, so we have to be smart and we have to be attractive to the players.

Arsenal ace Emile Smith Rowe could be involved in tomorrow’s FA Cup third round tie at Oxford United, his first outing since having groin surgery in September.

Meanwhile, USA skipper Elliott Moore has warned the Gunners they won’t have everything their way at Kassam.

Moore said: He was not expected to win, but as a club we still believe we can.

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