It is hard to remember Mikel Arteta being as furious as he was on Saturday evening.
The Arsenal manager was utterly scathing in his response to Anthony Gordon's winning goal for Newcastle surviving three separate VAR checks, and some have rightfully questioned if he overstepped the mark.
"I feel embarrassed," said Arteta after Arsenal suffered their first Premier League defeat of the season. "I feel sick to be part of this."
The fallout and debate around the use of VAR will continue, but in the short-term Arteta needs to get his side ready for two crucial home games this week.
Arteta's fury should not mask what was a frustrating evening on Tyneside for Arsenal, who managed only one shot on target despite having 59 per cent possession in the 1-0 defeat.
The Gunners have yet to hit top gear and, while their attention over the weekend was on the officials, Arteta needs to instead focus on getting his attack firing.
Much has been made of the new atmosphere at the Emirates under Arteta — and his comments on Saturday will help to create a siege mentality ahead of games against Sevilla on Wednesday and then Burnley on Saturday.
It is a tactic managers have used countless times and, regardless of whether Arteta's grievances with the standard of officiating are true, the by-product is his comments should galvanise players and fans as Arsenal seek to ignite their season.
Gordon's goal in the 64th minute survived three separate VAR checks: the ball possibly being out of play when Joe Willock kept it in on the touchline, a possible foul by Joelinton on Gabriel and a possible offside against Gordon.
Arteta's fury should not mask that Arsenal managed only one shot on target despite having 59 per cent possession
"We have to talk about the result because you have to talk about how they help these goals stand up, and it's incredible," said Arteta. "I feel embarrassed. I feel sick to be part of this.
"But I have to be the one now coming here to try to defend the club and please ask for help because it's an absolute disgrace that this goal is allowed, it's an absolute disgrace.
"And there's too much at stake here, we put in so much effort, and it's so difficult to compete at this level. And it's an absolute disgrace.
"Again, I feel embarrassed, I've been more than 20 years in this country, and this is nowhere near the level to describe this as the best league in the world. I am sorry."
Arteta's comments could land him in hot water with the FA but he has been backed by Arsenal, who yesterday released a statement supporting his post-match comments and calling on PGMOL to address the standard of officiating.
"Arsenal wholeheartedly supports Mikel Arteta's post-match comments after yet more unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors on Saturday," read the statement.
"We'd also like to acknowledge the huge effort and performance from our players and travelling supporters.
"The Premier League is the best league in the world with the best players, coaches and supporters, all of whom deserve better. PGMOL urgently needs to address the standard of
officiating and focus on action which moves us all on from retrospective analysis, attempted explanations and apologies.
"We support the ongoing efforts of chief refereeing officer Howard Webb and would welcome working together to achieve the world-class officiating standards our league demands."
PGMOL have not commented on the statement made by Arsenal.
