Mikel Arteta criticised by Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville for touchline behaviour

Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville have both criticised Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta for his touchline behaviour during the Community Shield. The Spaniard was very worked up on the sidelines at Wembley and was booked after just 18 minutes, with new rules this season designed to clamp down on bad behaviour from managers.

Arteta became the first victim of the new rules, which restrict coaches to staying in their technical areas at all times and bar them from confronting officials. Former Manchester United defender Neville actually claims Arteta’s much-talked-about conduct on the touchline last season played a large part in the FA’s decision.

Carragher’s Astonishment

Carragher, meanwhile, was astonished by how animated Arteta was during Arsenal’s penalty shootout victory over City and feels he got a little carried away given the season proper has not even started yet.

‘I thought it was interesting watching the game how wound up Arteta was on the side of the pitch after about 10 minutes,’ said the Liverpool legend.

‘I love passion, we [Liverpool] have got Jurgen Klopp, you love it when he’s involved and we all love to see our managers show that. But I just thought it was too much. Ten minutes into the Community Shield? He got a yellow card himself because he wanted someone booked for pulling a shirt and I thought, “Wow!” He was that incensed this early season! It’s like, this is a long season – a very long season – they’re back in the Champions League as well.’

Increased Expectations at Arsenal

On the increased expectations at Arsenal this season, Carragher continued: ‘Last season they were seen as this young, up-and-coming team and most people probably felt City would do it towards the end of the season, the experience and things like that. Even when they fell away, most people thought, “What a great season Arsenal have had”. But what Arsenal have done in the summer – it makes them better – but this idea that keeps getting put out there that they’re a young Arsenal team and don’t spend the money City do… Arsenal have now spent an unbelievable amount of money in the last two or three years.

So I think we’ve got to come away from that. They should have a lot expected of them. Not that they should win the league, but they should be going for every trophy and, if they don’t get over the line like last season, they should be criticised for that because I think we should expect a lot more from Arsenal this season. Yes, Arteta has done a brilliant job, but there’s been a lot of finance there as well.’

Conclusion

It is clear that Mikel Arteta has been criticised by Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville for his touchline behaviour during the Community Shield. The new rules introduced this season restricting coaches to staying in their technical areas at all times and barring them from confronting officials were likely a direct result of Arteta’s conduct last season. With increased expectations at Arsenal this season due to their spending in recent years, Arteta will need to ensure his behaviour remains within the rules if he is to lead his team to success.