Mikel Arteta told his Arsenal players they were “f***ing embarrassing” during a passionate 195-word rant after their vital loss to Newcastle last season.
The Gunners were four points above Tottenham with three games to spare, with their Champions League fate in their own hands.
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A win at Spurs would have secured a top-four finish but Arteta’s side were comprehensively beaten 3-0.
Following their disappointing defeat in the north London derby, a victory against Newcastle would still have made Arsenal the favourites to finish fourth going into the final game of the season.
As you are probably aware, it did not work out that way and Arsenal lost 2-0 at St James’ Park after putting in a toothless display.
Their 5-1 win against Everton on matchday 38 was not enough after Spurs won 5-0 at Norwich, securing fourth place for Antonio Conte and his squad.
Arsenal’s spot in the Champions League was lost following the defeat to the Geordies, and Arteta and his players knew it.
Unsurprisingly, the Spanish manager blasted his players in the dressing room after the defeat.
Thanks to the fly-on-the-wall Amazon documentary, All or Nothing: Arsenal, fans have been able to see exactly what Arteta told his players.
“It doesn’t matter what I say. It doesn’t matter what you say. Now it’s too late,” Arteta began, before raising his voice and letting his players know how he felt.
“They were 10,000 times better than us today, with everything,” he continued. “We didn’t earn the right to play with them, we didn’t win a f***ing duel, we didn’t win a second ball, we were horrible with the f***ing ball, we had no organisation, we had nothing. Nothing.
“So now shut your mouth and eat it.
“We could have conceded eight goals and if you see the chances you will cry, you will cry the way we have competed. We didn’t compete at all in the game.
“It’s f***ing embarrassing to come here and work the way we have done. Embarrassing guys.
“What happened today is f***ing unacceptable and if you accept something like this you live in a different world.”
There was then a short pause before Arteta told his players he will back them in the press, despite the fact the result and performance made it “hard” for him to defend them.
He continued: “Don’t worry, I will face the people. But today it’s hard to defend you guys. Hard. I will take all the sh*t again….
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