Mikel Arteta has labelled Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United as “a disgrace” after Anthony Gordon’s controversial winning goal at St James’ Park.

Gordon’s close-range goal in the second half at St. James’ Park gave Arsenal their first Premier League defeat of the season.

However, Arsenal was furious about the goal and insisted that Joelinton’s challenge on Gabriel should have resulted in a goal disallowed.

As the two contested Joe Willock’s cross, Joelinton seemed to shove Arsenal defender Gabriel in the back, allowing Gordon to score almost on the goal line.

Following a protracted VAR review, it was decided that there had been no foul; Arsenal’s argument that the ball had left the pitch before Willock crossed it was also rejected, as were Gordon’s claims that he was offside.

“The result should not be what it is. Embarrassing what happened, how this goal stands, in the Premier League, this league we say is the best in the world,” Arteta said.

“I’ve been 20 years in this country and now I feel ashamed. It’s a disgrace and there’s too much at stake here.”

After suffering a miserable few days following their Wednesday League Cup elimination by West Ham, Arsenal’s second loss of the week dealt a severe blow to their title hopes.

However, Arteta was left with a bad taste due to the contentious nature of the loss.

“We are trying to do incredible things and be at the highest level each week. We didn’t deserve to lose the match. We lost because of the clear and obvious decisions,” Arteta said after Arsenal failed to score for the first time in all competitions this season.

“There’s so much at stake, we put so many hours. The margins are so small. It’s a disgrace. That’s how I feel and how everyone feels in that dressing room.

“You cannot imagine the amount of messages I got saying this cannot continue. I have to be here now to say it is not acceptable.”

Arsenal’s chances of winning the title may be seriously jeopardised by the outcome, which has dropped them three points behind Manchester City.

“I don’t know how to feel. I am wasting my time. We are wasting our time. I don’t want to be in the hands of people,” Arteta said.

“It’s difficult enough to compete against this team. It cannot continue. There’s too much at stake. The consequences are too big.”