![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/67\/590x\/secondary\/Mikel-Arteta-5052188.jpg?r=1699284391533\")
<\/p>\nArsenal hid a dreaded \u201cvote of confidence\u201d in Mikel Arteta within their statement backing his rant against the VAR decisions at Newcastle. Concerned board members and senior executives decided overnight on Saturday that it was wrong to leave the Gunners\u2019 boss as the lone voice questioning the validity of Newcastle\u2019s goal in the 1-0 win – along with a number of other marginal decisions.<\/p>\n
With the first rumblings of pressure falling on the Spaniard\u2019s shoulders after nearly four years in charge, the VAR issue was seen as the ideal way to show the continued solidarity Arteta has with the club as a whole.<\/p>\n
A late draw against Chelsea disguised how Arsenal had been outplayed for much of the match at the Emirates and defeat against another Champions League rival Newcastle so soon after Arsenal were dumped out of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday has put an unwanted spotlight on how Arteta will deal with a rare down-turn in results.<\/p>\n
The frustration of having three very tight decisions in the build up to Newcastle\u2019s goal all go against his side – whether the ball went out of play, the possibility of a foul and a question of offside – led to some strong language from Arteta. In various post-match interviews he used words such as \u201cnot acceptable\u201d, \u201cembarrassing\u201d, \u201ca disgrace\u201d.<\/p>\n
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In the cold light of day, those in the background at the north London club were concerned at the social media noise emanating from Arteta\u2019s robust comments. And with results on the field going against the team this week, they wanted to ensure Arteta did not look like an isolated figure.<\/p>\n
More important than the specifics of the VAR calls in question, this was an opportunity for the club to show backing for their manager at the first suggestion of a downturn in fortunes. Luckily, there is an undercurrent of more worthy causes against the way the new technology is being implemented which such a message taps into.<\/p>\n
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