Mikel Arteta has admitted that he is "really worried" after delivering a dressing room talk to the Arsenal players following their 3-0 loss to Tottenham on Thursday.
In one of the most anticipated north London derbies for years, Arsenal had the chance to secure their top four status, but crumbled as they were reduced to 10 men and lost 3-0. Arteta was a furious figure on the touchline, but has admitted that although he is "really worried", he was happy with Arsenal's performance until decisions went against them
"I have already picked them up.," Arteta said following the defeat. "This game is history and all our focus is Newcastle, Newcastle, Newcastle.
"I told them I was so proud of them and if we do what we did in the first half an hour here we will be fine against Newcastle. I worry a lot about today. I really, really worry about today but I don’t worry about the performance of my players. I want to be where we deserve to be."
Arsenal could have wrapped up the top four for not only them, but for Chelsea as well, meaning that Tottenham would have been unable to qualify for the Champions League next season. However, Tottenham's victory has blown the top four race wide open, with Arsenal under growing pressure.
It was a bright start to the derby for Arsenal, and they were the better team in the opening stages. But although the pressure was on Tottenham to pull off a result, poor discipline from the Gunners essentially handed their rivals with the victory.
Cedric Soares clumsily gave away a penalty which the ever-reliable Harry Kane converted put Tottenham ahead midway through the first half. Two quick-fire yellow cards shortly after saw Arsenal reduced to 10 men as Rob Holding couldn't contain his frustration against Son Heung-Min. Kane quickly doubled his and Tottenham's lead, before Son grabbed the third just minutes after the restart.
Arsenal only had themselves to blame for giving Tottenham an easy ride, but Arteta was furious at the officials for both decisions, with ultimately settled their fate. A fuming Arteta said at full-time: "I cannot give you an honest assessment because I will be suspended for a long time. I like to be honest and I cannot give an honest assessment.
"If I say what I think I am suspended six months. I am allowed to give my interpretation of what I thought, but I do not like to lie. I cannot say what I think, I will be suspended.
"I am so proud of my players. Ask the referee to come here and explain his decisions. That's his decision. Such a beautiful game was destroyed here."
Arsenal are still ahead of Tottenham in the Premier League, but their lead has been reduced to just one point, meaning they must at least match their record to stay ahead. But Tottenham's fixtures are less daunting than Arsenal's.
The Gunners face a tough away trip to Newcastle before facing Everton, and Tottenham face relegation threatened Burnley, and also Norwich who have already suffered the drop. It also means that Chelsea are not yet safe, but their Champions League spot is likely to be confirmed shortly.
