In Premier League Matchday 4, Arsenal defeated Sunderland 2-0 away from home. After the match, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta spoke to the English media.

Mikel, congratulations on the victory tonight. How difficult was it to secure the three points this evening?

I'm very pleased that we got another win. It's been a very demanding week—first facing Chelsea, then traveling to Naples and winning there, and now facing a very strong opponent in a very difficult away match.

We had some moments where we played very well but couldn't score. Then they can make things very uncomfortable for you, especially when they start to play very aggressively and directly.

We also had to overcome a situation that I believe absolutely should not happen at this level of competition. So I'm very concerned and very sad that a situation like that could ever be considered a penalty.

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

Were you surprised by that decision?

Not really. Before the season started, players were informed that referees would focus on this type of physical pulling. How do you interpret what you saw today?

The opponent used a judo-like move on Ezri (Konsa), and he did nothing but stand there. We have many cameras, and we must take responsibility to protect this sport. But the match today was not protected as it should have been, and this could have cost us the game or changed the entire complexion of the match. This is a very, very, very serious issue.

Given that, how satisfied are you with how your players managed to refocus and get back into the match?

I really appreciate the mentality they showed. David's save, the team's reaction, how we regrouped and overcame everything to continue playing—all of that pleases me greatly. But things like this shouldn't happen in the first place. It's unfair, and I'm very sad about it.

Will you make your feelings clear to the relevant authorities?

I've already been very clear publicly. I prefer to speak about it publicly, even though I'd like more private communication, because this concerns the entire sport, not just us. A situation like this should not happen at this level of competition.

In the end, fine margins decide matches. Your goalkeeper saved a penalty, and then the team converted that advantage into a win. What are your thoughts?

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

What did you make of 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 both superb. This is why we always emphasize finishing ability, and players must be ready to contribute and help the team when called upon. He played very well, and Jurrien (Timber) also returned, which is a significant addition for us. So in many ways, I'm very, very pleased.

Sunderland fought hard to get back into it. How satisfied are you with your players' performance in ultimately securing the win?

Great credit must go to Sunderland, their players and coaching staff. They are a very organized and difficult team to face. We experienced that last season. It's no coincidence that all the big teams who come here struggle greatly. It's really impressive to see this stadium, the atmosphere here, and everything about it. This is what we should be discussing.

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