Mikel Arteta dubbed ‘clown’ for doing what Arsenal fans ‘love’ during games

One pundit has taken exception to Mikel Arteta’s sideline antics during Arsenal games.
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Pundit Chris Sutton has believes Mikel Arteta has ‘acted like a clown’ at times this season.

It has been a memorable season for Arsenal so far, with the Gunners top of the table and six points clear, even after a draw with Liverpool over the weekend. Manchester City will still get their shot, still to play Arsenal and with a game in hand to play, giving them the guaranteed opportunity to at least finish level with Arteta’s men.

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But whatever happens, it has been a momentous effort from Arsenal this season, particularly when you consider they couldn’t even make the top four last season. While most can agree on Arsenal’s impressive efforts, Arteta has managed to split opinion, especially when it comes to his animated approach to coaching on the touchline during games.

And one pundit who has taken exception is Sutton, though, the former striker does acknowledge that the Gunners stars appear to respond to Arteta’s actions.

“There’s no doubt Arteta has acted like a clown in the technical area at times, and the punters love all that stuff,” Sutton told Bettingsites.

“They do love it. They love seeing the manager jumping up and around and animated, and in the fourth official’s face. I don’t and I think it’s a bit of an act at times. He’ll say something different but the most important thing is what he’s saying in the sanctuary of the dressing room. And clearly the messages are getting across and the work he’s doing on the training ground is really working with this Arsenal team. But as you know all that jumping around isn’t necessary for me.”

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Arteta was much more composed as a player, but as a coach, he is among the most emotional, often seen jumping up and down on the sideline. But as Sutton alludes to, the Gunners stars do seem to get energy from the Spaniard, and regardless of what pundits say, it’s not likely Arteta will change his approach, particularly when you consider how well it has worked up to now.