Furious Mikel Arteta is beginning to sound a lot like Sir Alex Ferguson after his latest referee outburst - but this is why it could backfire for Arsenal

Three points secured on a gritty night away in Sunderland.

After what happened here last time out for Arsenal in November, Brian Brobbey’s injury-time equaliser halting a five-game winning run, many assumed Mikel Arteta would be chuffed afterwards.

It’s now five wins in a row and, just as crucially, a show of defiance in many ways. Bruno Guimaraes’ stunning strike – including a cupped ear celebration to a club who detest him from his Newcastle days – and David Raya’s world-class save to deny Enzo Le Fee’s spot-kick both typified this.

Yet, Arteta strode into the post-match press conference with steam coming from his ears.

I opened proceedings, asking about John Brooks’ controversial decision to award the Black Cats a penalty on 54 minutes.

Ezri Konsa, who had a tough night at the hands of many wrestling jousts with Brobbey, was embroiled in another such battle – this time with Dan Ballard.