Arteta criticises refereeing after Arsenal survive tough match

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his frustration over refereeing decisions following a challenging Premier League match. He criticised the lack of protection for players during the game and highlighted concerns about grappling at corners, which has been a focus for referees this season.

Arteta said the game was unprotected and that such incidents should never happen at this level. He was booked in the first half for repeatedly leaving his technical area while expressing his views. The manager emphasised that the issue is not only about Arsenal but affects the entire league.

He noted that referees have been instructed this season to clamp down on grappling at corners, a topic that gained attention last term. Arteta said, "I'm making it very clear publicly because it is not only for Arsenal, this cannot happen at this level."

The manager also praised the Spanish goalkeeper for an incredible penalty save that kept Arsenal in the game. He said, "He keeps us alive in the game, that unbelievable moment saving the penalty. I think after this moment we took from it a big confidence to play forward and score our goal."