Arteta responds to Sir Alex Ferguson comparison: 'I will make mistakes'

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Mikel Arteta has rejected comparisons with Sir Alex Ferguson after his criticism of officials following Arsenal's win over Sunderland, insisting his only aim is to defend the club.

The Arsenal manager went public last weekend over the penalty awarded against Ezri Konsa, calling the decision "unacceptable" and arguing that the contact had been initiated by what he described as a "judo roll" from Dan Ballard.

Those comments prompted Jamie Carragher to suggest Arteta was operating from a position of power in the same way Ferguson once did at Manchester United, labelling the Spaniard the "don" of the Premier League.

Arteta plays down the 'don' label

Asked about the comparison, Arteta was quick to push back. "No, I'm here to try to give my opinion," he said. "To defend my club, to give the very best to our players. In order to do so, obviously, you guys ask some questions and we need to respond in the most direct and fair way."

He also acknowledged he will not always get it right. "I will make mistakes, sometimes, but I will try to be as fair as possible," Arteta added.

"We discuss many topics in this room, very important all of them. We have a space to talk, give our opinions, have discussions, have personal conversations. It's everybody's duty to try and improve the game and that's what we are here for."

Arsenal seek answers over Konsa penalty

The row has not ended with the final whistle at the Stadium of Light. According to the Evening Standard, Arsenal contacted Pro Ref at the start of this week to seek an explanation for the penalty decision.

That approach followed Pro Ref's apology to Manchester United on Sunday for failing to rule out Erling Haaland's winner in the Manchester derby for offside — a public admission of error that only sharpened the focus on the call that went against Arsenal.

Arteta, though, was unwilling to reveal what he had been told. "These are conversations that will remain private, as they should and they have to keep it that way," he said.

"It's not about an apology. It's just agreeing that the decision should have been different or not, maybe they have a different opinion. Try to improve and move forward together."

A familiar flashpoint

Refereeing decisions have become a recurring theme around Arsenal in recent seasons, with the club previously issuing a public statement over officiating standards following a defeat at Newcastle in 2023. Arteta's willingness to address the topic head-on in press conferences has made him one of the most vocal managers in the division on the subject.

The Ferguson parallel is one Arteta clearly has no interest in embracing, but his message was consistent: he intends to keep speaking up for Arsenal when he believes decisions have gone against them.

Attention now turns back to matters on the pitch, where Arteta's side will look to keep their momentum going in a title race that has left little room for error.