Arteta says criticism of his sideline behavior is ‘not fair’

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Mikel Arteta believes criticism of his behavior on the touchline has been unfair following complaints about his conduct against Newcastle United.

Arteta faced Magpies boss Eddie Howe in a 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday as the league leaders dropped points in the Premier League for just the third time this season.

Howe and Arteta were embroiled in an angry confrontation on the sidelines when referee Andrew Madley opted not to award Arsenal an added-time penalty, with Arteta calling the decision “outrageous” after the game.

The Arsenal manager was criticized after the game for the way he acted, and the Gunners were charged by the FA on Friday for failing to check their players following the late incident.

However, Arteta believes some of the comments about his actions on the touchline have been unfair, saying he is only acting in Arsenal’s best interest.

“I try to do my best for this football club, to defend it, to promote it and to play with the passion in which the game should be played,” Arteta said. “Every game is special and every manager behaves very differently depending on the circumstances.

“You can’t take the context out of a situation. It’s not fair. It’s me, here and on the pitch, for better or for worse.

“It’s me and I will try all the time to be better and whatever I do, whether it’s tomorrow, the day after or the day after, it’s to make the club stronger and my players better, for better to play and to win.

“But if I have to do something, I will do it, and if I have to change something, believe me, I’ll look at myself in the mirror and change it very quickly.”

Manchester City capitalized on Arsenal’s draw with Newcastle by beating Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Thursday, reducing the Gunners’ lead at the Premier League summit to five points.

Arteta’s men are eyeing up the FA Cup as they travel to face Oxford United in League One in the third round on Monday.

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Arteta has revealed Emile Smith Rowe could feature in the match, having not played for Arsenal since early September due to a groin injury.

“First of all, we need him to be fit and at his best.” said Arteta. “When we have that, we have an amazing player who we’ve missed a lot over the past few months.

“Emile can play as an attacking midfielder, as a winger and even as a nine, I think he’s played there before.

“If he trains tomorrow, hopefully he will be available to give us something in the game.”

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