Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was the focus of much discussion once again on Sunday in his side's clash against Manchester United due to his touchline behaviour. The Spaniard was controversially booked by official Anthony Taylor after complaints in the technical area following an accumulation of fouls on his players.
Arteta has been discussed plenty over his antics, receiving criticism for how he behaves during games towards the officials within the laws of the games. Some complaints ranged from standing outside his technical area to being overly enthusiastic with his appeals to referees and fourth officials.
One of the main matches that led to focus on Arteta was in a 0-0 draw against Newcastle, where the manager felt as though big decisions went against him and reacted. When asked about the perception of his behaviour, there was a reluctance to get drawn into the discussion.
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"I’m not part of that debate," Arteta told reporters. "I think publicly they can have their opinions. I try to do my best for this football club, to defend it, to promote it, to play with the passion I believe the game has to be played with.
"There are moments, it is not the way I behaved against West Ham, every game is special. Every manager behaves differently regarding the circumstances. You cannot take the context out of a situation, I don’t think that is fair. That’s me! Whether I am here or on the pitch, that’s me, the good and the bad!"
The manager was the target of a yellow card from match referee Taylor against Manchester United, due to his complaints over a foul on Bukayo Saka. Both the head coach and player turned to officials and said: "four times," claiming there should have been a booking for Luke Shaw for a number of fouls.
Gary Neville criticised Arteta on Sky Sports during the game, saying: "I think he’s right there Anthony Taylor. He’s been singled out over the last few weeks, Mikel Arteta, but I have to say it was just a basic foul, there was nothing in it.
"Shaw’s just trying to get in front of him, Saka does well, but he charges back up the touchline like a madman, Mikel Arteta, just watch him. There’s nothing in it, it’s a foul, move on with the game.
"He makes it look like he’s two-footed him. I was here a couple of weeks ago for the Newcastle game and he was at it all game, Mikel Arteta, which is fair enough, but on occasions where it wasn’t called for. He charged about 15 yards down the touchline and that was what he was shown a yellow card for."
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