'He has to own it' - Pundit slams Arsenal manager Arteta for being in denial
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Mikel Arteta's Arsenal players have received criticism for their antics against Manchester City on September 22, 2024 (Credit: Imago)

'He has to own it' - Pundit slams Arsenal manager Arteta for being in denial

Seye Omidiora 11:11 - 25.09.2024

The Gunners boss has been criticised for his team’s continued antics.

Craig Burley wants Mikel Arteta to accept that his Arsenal side have disciplinary issues after they were reduced to 10 men for the second time this season in Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Manchester City

Arsenal’s sendings-off this term

The North London side had Leandro Trossard dismissed at the Etihad Stadium after receiving a second yellow card just before the interlude for delaying the game’s restart, following Declan Rice’s sending-off against Brighton in gameweek three

Mikel Arteta hugs Leandro Trossard against Man City
Mikel Arteta hugs Leandro Trossard after his sending-off against Manchester City on September 22, 2024 (Credit: Imago)

After the game, Arteta retained his confrontational manner, suggesting that many more matches this season will end with players receiving soft yellow cards for seemingly non-issues

What Burley said

However, the Arsenal manager has been criticised by the former Chelsea and Scotland player for his continued hostile approach to dealing with negative comments about his team. 

Ex-Scotland and Chelsea midfielder Craig Burley pictured in 2012 (Imago/Allstar)

“Mikel Arteta, at the moment, thinks the world is against him and his team, and he’s got to own it,” Burley said on ESPN. “These decisions (from referees) are honest decisions whether you think they are against your team or not.

“Quite frankly, this early-season crying from Arsenal, particularly their manager, is already becoming very tedious and taking away from some of their performances.”

What next for Arsenal?

The unbeaten Gunners host Bolton midweek before welcoming Leicester City to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, September 28.