Mikel Arteta Urges Respect After Bukayo Saka Copies James Maddison’s Goal Celebration
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has urged his players to respect their opponents after Bukayo Saka copied James Maddison’s trademark goal celebration. Saka mocked Maddison by performing his trademark goal celebration after putting the Gunners ahead in Sunday’s north London derby, which ended 2-2.
Maddison provided assists for Son Heung-min’s two goals as Spurs left the Emirates with a point and the English midfielder teased Saka after the match.
‘Me and Bukayo had a bit of banter and a bit of trash talking on international duty,’ Maddison said. ‘I got told he did my celebration. He must have still been doing it after I turned him for the first [Spurs] goal. I’ll have a little word with him.’
Arteta insists he has no problem with Saka’s actions but has reminded his players to be ‘respectful’ towards opponents.
‘I don’t pay too much attention to that,’ Arteta said when asked about Saka copying Maddison’s celebration. ‘They are free, when they do it for a reason and I’m probably the last one to understand it because they just talk about it in the dressing room between them.
‘They’re free to do what they want as long as it’s respectful to the opponent and not putting someone down or doing something that doesn’t go with our values.’
Arsenal return to action on Wednesday when they take on Brentford in the Carabao Cup and face AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday.
Respectful Celebrations
It is important for players to show respect to their opponents, even in the heat of the moment. This is something that Mikel Arteta has been keen to emphasize since taking over as Arsenal manager in 2019.
After Bukayo Saka copied James Maddison’s trademark goal celebration, Arteta was quick to remind his players that they should always be respectful towards their opponents. He stated that while they are free to celebrate however they like, they should not do anything that would put their opponents down or go against the values of the club.
This is an important message for all players, as it is essential that sportsmanship is maintained at all times. It is also important for players to remember that their actions on the pitch can have an impact on their team and their opponents, and that they should always act with respect.
Arsenal’s Upcoming Fixtures
Arsenal return to action on Wednesday when they take on Brentford in the Carabao Cup and face AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday. The Gunners will be looking to get back to winning ways after their disappointing draw against Tottenham Hotspur in the north London derby.
The team will be hoping to put in a strong performance against Brentford and Bournemouth, as they look to climb up the Premier League table and secure a place in next season’s Champions League.
Mikel Arteta will be hoping that his players can put in a professional performance and show respect to their opponents, both on and off the pitch. This will be essential if Arsenal are to get back to winning ways and secure a place in Europe’s premier competition.
Conclusion
It is important for players to show respect to their opponents, both on and off the pitch. Mikel Arteta has reminded his Arsenal players of this after Bukayo Saka copied James Maddison’s trademark goal celebration.
The Gunners will be looking to get back to winning ways when they take on Brentford in the Carabao Cup and AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League this week. It is essential that they show respect to their opponents if they are to secure a place in next season’s Champions League.