flag
back Back
Mikel Arteta's behaviour to Max Dowman and Fleetwood manager shows exactly who he is

COMMENT: Mikel Arteta is a man who wears his heart on his sleeve.

Mikel Arteta was furious with Max Dowman after his sending-off at Fleetwood
Mikel Arteta was furious with Max Dowman after his sending-off at Fleetwood (Image: Getty)

In many ways, Mikel Arteta is a remarkable man. He is a hugely talented coach who spent years learning the trade as Pep Guardiola's assistant before delivering Arsenal's first Premier League triumph in over two decades. He is also incredibly meticulous, often thinking outside the box when it comes to preparing his squad, both physically and mentally. His training methods are unique, with the Spaniard hiring pickpockets to teach his players the importance of awareness and even bringing in a dog, named Win, to promote a successful culture at Arsenal's training ground.

Arteta is also unashamedly emotional, always wearing his heart on his sleeve and rarely attempting to hide his true feelings when things don't go his way.

That was clear to see on Tuesday night, when Arsenal were dumped out of the Carabao Cup by lowly Fleetwood Town in a monumental shock.

His furious reaction to Max Dowman's late sending-off was a major talking point, with Arteta shouting something at the teenager as he trudged off the pitch. Whatever it was, he certainly didn't look happy.

He has since been widely accused of overstepping the mark, particularly given Dowman's young age and lack of senior experience.

Others might argue that it was merely a display of that same raw passion that allowed Arteta to become a title-winning manager, rather than another nearly man.

Arteta put his disappointment to one side to congratulate Fleetwood
Arteta put his disappointment to one side to congratulate Fleetwood (Image: Getty)

Arteta is a complex character and he went on to show a very different side of himself just minutes later, after Fleetwood scored the winning penalty to send Arsenal crashing out of the tournament.

He went out of his way to congratulate the League Two side in his post-match interview, crediting them for delivering against the odds and creating a hostile atmosphere that undoubtedly played a part in shaping the result.

Arteta was also classy in defeat away from the cameras, with his behaviour singled out by Fleetwood manager Matt Lawlor after the final whistle.

"He shook my hand two or three times and he was really, really gracious, I can imagine it's a really disappointing night for him," said Lawlor.

"But the way that he acted there, with class, is amazing. I would love to catch up with him and pick his brains, but he's been really busy with media and all the emotions that come with it.

"We've not managed to cross paths, but he said well done in the tunnel briefly and how well we did, which is obviously a show of class from him."

Those comments speak volumes about the kind of person Arteta really is; an incredibly determined winner who can occasionally step over the line in his pursuit of perfection, but who isn't afraid to shelve his personal pride to give credit where it's due.

You may like

Eberechi Eze reaches decision on leaving Arsenal after demotion confirmed

teamtalk.com 4 days ago

Why does everyone hate Arsenal?

fourfourtwo.com 1 week ago

HENRY WINTER: Viktor Gyokeres has reason to feel frustrated, as Arsenal can't find a formula up f...

fourfourtwo.com 1 week ago

When Harry Kane Was Forced to Rewatch His 'Dive' vs Arsenal in 2019

givemesport.com 44 minutes ago

Why do Chelsea and Tottenham hate each other?

standard.co.uk 4 days ago

Arsenal boss Arteta reaches decision on selling crucial title winner to Real Madrid

teamtalk.com 1 day ago

Arsenal news: 'Internal moaning' emerges as star told he will '100% be sold'

mirror.co.uk 2 days ago

Arsenal: Ex-Premier League Referee on Why Arteta 'Overstepped the Mark' vs Everton

givemesport.com 2 days ago