Mikel Arteta Slams Referee Paul Tierney After Arsenal Lose to Tottenham in the North London Derby

• Mikel Arteta was left frustrated after the referee for the North London Derby made a couple of decisions against Arsenal
• The Gunners were convincingly beaten by their rival and had to finish the game with ten men after Rob Holding saw red
• Arteta mentioned that if he gave his opinion on what transpired, he might be banned for six months

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta refused to address what he made of the referee decisions in the North London Derby. Centre referee Paul Tierney was adjudged to have given some soft calls as Tottenham ran rampant, beating their rivals 3-0.

Harry Kane scored twice with Son Heung-min adding the third. But it was the first half of the encounter that left a sour taste on many Arsenal fans. Arteta was visibly agitated after the game.

Rob Holding was sent off in the 33rd minute after his plans to thwart Son’s dangerous forays failed. He received a second yellow card after raising his forearm to prevent the Korean from making a dashing run towards Arsenal's goal area.

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The other incident that went against Arsenal was a penalty the Tierney awarded after Cedric Soares fouled Son in an aerial tussle.

The referee should explain his decisions

Speaking to Sky Sports, the Spanish head coach lamented if he spoke about the incident, he will be banned for six months.

If I say what I think I am suspended for six months. I don’t know how to lie so I prefer not to say what I think. I cannot say what I think.

I want the referee to come in front of the camera and explain his decisions. It’s a shame because such a beautiful game was destroyed today.

I am not unhappy with my players. I am proud of my players. The decision was made. We can’t change it. The referee has to make a decision in football.

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Arsenal’s defeat at Spurs saw their rivals move to within one point of them in fourth place. The battle for the presumably one remaining Champions League spot is set to go down to the wire. The Gunners will have the weekend off before facing Newcastle on Monday. Tottenham play relegation candidate Burnley on Sunday.

Arteta wants to add new players to his squad

At the same time, Arteta is already making plans for next season. The former midfielder is keen on bringing a new striker to the Emirates.

Sports Brief has previously reported that Gabriel Jesus has emerged as a strong contender in recent days. Jesus is set to fall down the pecking order at Manchester City with the impending arrival of Erling Haaland.

Arteta is looking to bag a striker he knows too well having worked with him during his stint as Manchester City assistant head coach.