Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy believes Aaron Ramsdale and Mikel Arteta need to control their emotions a little better moving forward.
Arsenal's goalkeeper was pictured celebrating Bruno Fernandes' missed penalty at the weekend. Arteta, on the other hand, could also be seen punching the air after the Portuguese star struck the post from 12-yards.
Although the Gunners went onto win the game 3-1, Murphy has advised Ramsdale to work on channelling that passion if he wishes to compete with Jordan Pickford for England's No.1 shirt: "I'm a bit torn on it, to be honest," he said on talkSPORT. "I'm not that bothered, but I think he’ll look back on it and think that if he wants to be an England goalkeeper he must keep his emotions intact, you know? The game isn’t over.
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta can appoint perfect Arsenal coach after special Bukayo Saka and Smith Rowe moment
"He didn’t save it, it hit the post. He just forgot where he was for a second and I think he’ll look back on it and think: 'I’ve got to leave that be'.
"I always think when you’re getting too emotionally involved you're detracting from your own performance. When you start getting to the Martin Keown in Ruud van Nistelrooy’s face or Ramsdale jumping out [against United], I think you’re losing the plot a little bit. It’s all a bit for fans.
"I understand it, but if I was his manager I’d be saying: 'Don’t do that again'. The best example of reining that emotional aspect of his football is [Jordan] Pickford, that’s why he’s still England No.1.
"If Ramsdale's got sights on taking over from Pickford at some point… there’s nothing wrong with passion and if you save the penalty I’d understand it – but he didn’t save it."
Murphy continued by explaining that he thinks that Arteta needs to set an example for his players: "I’m a big believer that your players can sometimes mimic your behaviour as a manager," he added. "I was very fortunate that two or three of my best managers were very calm, articulate, laid back guys who you never got histrionics out of.
"I think that our performances on the pitch mirrored theirs and our behaviours. Arteta could do himself a favour and rein himself in a little bit."
The Spaniard is focused on helping Arsenal secure top four for the first time since the 2015/16 season. The Gunners are in pole position with five games to go, but as we've seen before in the Premier League, a lot can change in that time.
