Arteta bemoans defeat to Villa but refuses to engage on VAR controversy

'We were the much better team' insists Arsenal boss as he bites lip on contentious penalty and goal decisions 

HARD WATCH: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta (centre) watches from the stands during the Premier League match at Villa Park, Birmingham. Pic: Jacob King/PA Wire

Mikel Arteta was seemingly aiming to sidestep another Football Association charge as the Arsenal boss refused to be drawn on two contentious calls in their Premier League defeat at Aston Villa.

John McGinn's seventh-minute strike was enough to seal a 1-0 victory for the hosts, who are now just two points off top spot and have won a club-record 15 consecutive league games.