Mikel Arteta has been criticised by Graeme Souness for his recent behaviour during Arsenal games.
The Spaniard watched his side slip to second in the Premier League following a 3-1 defeat to Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium, which marked a run of three games without a win for the Gunners.
Arsenal have since come in for criticism from some sections of the media for their nervousness, which Souness feels Arteta is responsible for.
What’s the story?
Well, the 69-year-old feels Arteta’s touchline antics are instilling panic and fear into his players.
The £159,615-a-week tactician sometimes comes across as a chaotic figure on the touchline, waving his arms about frantically while also coming into conflict with some fellow coaches, as well as referees.
Arteta also clashed on the sideline with Kevin De Bruyne during the 3-1 loss to Manchester City.
Writing in the Daily Mail about the 40-year-old’s behaviour, Souness said: “Arteta has gone overboard because this is all new to him. As a player, he bordered on being son-in-law material – you wouldn’t be unhappy if you walked through the door with your daughter – and I can never remember him aggressively going after anyone. Yet he’s now turning up on a matchday with an angry head on. I don’t believe this is helping the cause.”
Of course, we are nobody to question these comments from someone who has been involved in title races at the highest level.
However, we also feel there is more to it that simply the actions of Arteta on the touchline.
Arteta deserves more credit than criticism at Arsenal
Arteta is arguably the sole reason that Arsenal find themselves back fighting for silverware at the summit of the Premier League, and his behaviour on the sidelines simply comes down to his passion for football.
If that passionate approach rubs off on his players, then that surely cannot be considered a bad thing.
In truth, Arteta’s antics have been blown out of proportion.
More often than not, the Spaniard comes across as a calm figure, and that is reflected in his side’s football as they play a composed, detailed and organised style.
Amid plenty of criticism, Arteta must stay focused and get his side’s title challenge back on track.
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