In the Premier League Round 4, Arsenal defeated Sunderland 2-0 away. After the match, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta gave an interview to the English media.

Mikel, congratulations on your victory tonight. But how difficult was it to get these 3 points?

I'm very pleased we won again. We've had a very demanding week—first against Chelsea, then traveling to Naples and winning there, and now facing a very difficult opponent away from home.

We had some very good periods of play, but we couldn't score. After that, they made it very uncomfortable for us, especially when they started playing very aggressive and direct football.

We also had to deal with a situation that, in my view, shouldn't happen at this level of the game. So I'm very concerned and very upset, because that situation should not have been called a penalty.

Are you referring to the penalty that was awarded against you, which David Raya then saved?

Were you surprised by that decision?

No. Before the season started, the players were told that referees would be watching for this type of physical contact. What's your take on what happened today?

The opposition used a kind of judo move on Ezri Konsa, and he did nothing but watch. We have many cameras, and we have a responsibility to protect this sport. But the game today wasn't protected as it should have been, and this could have cost us—it could have changed the outcome of the match, which is a very, very serious issue.

Given that, how satisfied are you with your players' ability to refocus and get back into the game?

I'm very pleased with the way they responded. David's save, the team's reaction, the way we regrouped and overcame all these difficulties to keep playing—I'm very satisfied with all of that. But things like this shouldn't happen. It's unfair, and I'm upset about it, very upset.

Will you make your views clear to those responsible?

I've already expressed myself very clearly publicly. I prefer to discuss this publicly, even though I'd rather communicate privately, because it concerns the entire sport, not just us. This situation shouldn't happen at this level of the game.

In the end, small details determine matches. Your goalkeeper saved the penalty, and then the team converted that into a victory. Your thoughts?

We shouldn't be discussing the goalkeeper's save, but what happened before it.

What about the brilliant goal your team scored? You brought him on as a substitute in the first half.

Excellent—his performance after coming on, the goal, and the assist were all outstanding. This is why we always emphasize clinical finishing, and our players are ready to support and help the team when needed. His performance was excellent, and Jurrien Timber is also back, which is also a big boost for us. So in many ways, I'm very, very pleased.

Sunderland kept pushing to equalize. How satisfied are you with your players' defensive display in ultimately securing the victory?

Great credit must go to Sunderland, their players, and coaching staff. They're a very well-organized team and difficult to face. We experienced that last season. It's no coincidence that every big team that comes here has a very difficult time. It's great to see this stadium, the atmosphere here, and everything about it. That's what we should be discussing.

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