Tue. Nov 5th, 2024
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ANGRY Mikel Arteta was tipped to “rip” his Arsenal players – after he walked off BEFORE the end of Aston Villa’s 1-0 win.

John McGinn hammered the only goal to stop the Gunners returning top of the Prem and put third-placed Villa five points above Manchester City.

Mikel Arteta,departed ahead of the final whistle, with fans predicting a blasting for his players3

Mikel Arteta,departed ahead of the final whistle, with fans predicting a blasting for his playersCredit: X @SkySportsPL
Mikel Arteta looked in pain with the display even before he left early3

Mikel Arteta looked in pain with the display even before he left earlyCredit: PA

And Arteta’s reaction left Arsenal supporters fearing for their players – although he later suggested it was refereeing decisions he had a “”big opinion” on.

After the boss disappeared into a backroom in stoppage time, one fan wrote, “He’s fuming” and another added: “Cooking up another fine.”

That’s a reference to Arteta being charged over a blast at officials following the Gunners’ 1-0 loss at Newcastle – although the FA verdict is not yet in.

This time, supporters reckon his players, not officials, will be on the end of a verbal lashing.

One argued: “I feel for Arteta, his team didn’t show the mentality of being champions.”

Others sent the Arsenal players “good wishes”.

But a few observers labelled the Spaniard a “cry baby” for his latest controversial response.

And Arteta looked just as angry in his post-match press coverage.

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He told Sky Sports: “Really good performance I thought we were better team and didn’t deserve to lose game at all but this is football.”

Asked if he had a response to reffing verdicts – after Kai Havertz had a late equaliser ruled out for offside he declined to comment but then added: “I do, big opinion”.

And Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard said of that strike: “I thought it was a goal but I haven’t seen it so don’t want to say too much.”

Odegard added: “We had enough chances to win the game. I felt they didn’t create anything apart from the goal. It happens sometimes.

“We have them an easy goal but after that we controlled it and scored have scored. We didn’t deserve to lose but that’s football.”

The Arsenal chief wasn't just going inside to get warm

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The Arsenal chief wasn’t just going inside to get warmCredit: X @SkySportsPL

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