Fans believe Mikel Arteta channelled his ‘inner Pep Guardiola’ while speaking to Sky Sports following Arsenal’s 0-0 draw with Newcastle United.
The Gunners missed out on extending their lead at the top of the Premier League table to 10 points after being held at home by an attritional Newcastle side.
Referee Andy Madley wasn’t popular inside the Emirates Stadium after overlooking two potential penalties.
On the hour mark, Magpies defender Dan Burn hauled down Gabriel inside the area by grabbing onto his shirt. Gary Neville said in the Sky Sports studio that Eddie Howe’s men were lucky not to concede a spot kick for Burn’s actions.
In added time, there were shouts for a penalty again when Jacob Murphy appeared to handle Granit Xhaka’s cross. Yet again, Madley turned a blind eye.
At this point, Arteta was furious. He jumped up and down on the touchline, racing to the fourth official. He managed to get into a shouting match with Howe as well, with the pair going back and forth as the game came to a close.
The Spaniard managed to compose himself before completing his post-match duties, although his words didn’t seem sincere.
He said: “We had so many situations to finish better, then we had two scandalous penalties.”
When pushed on which was a stronger claim, Arteta immediately replied: “It’s not about which is stronger. There are two penalties. That’s very simple. I’m talking about what I’ve seen now. Two scandalous penalties.”
Arteta still wasn’t done. After a question about VAR not giving either penalty, he added: “I don’t know. I’m so proud of the work we’ve done to see a team that plays the way we play.”
Everyone on social media made the same joke. They believe Arteta’s emulated Guardiola, who he worked under at Manchester City, in an attempt to focus on his team rather than the officials.
One person said: “I wish Arteta would be himself rather than trying to be a Guardiola clone.”
Another tweeted: “Arteta practices being Pep Guardiola in the bathroom mirror.”
Someone put: “Arteta thinking he’s Pep is so funny. Role playing at its best. Imposter!”
While a fourth summed it up with: “He tries so hard it’s embarrassing.”
Arsenal are eight points ahead of City, although the two sides are yet to face one another this season.
They did have their chances against Newcastle but drew a blank for the first time in the league this term. Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli turned headers wide, while Eddie Nketiah had a glorious chance to win it late on.
Magpies goalkeeper Nick Pope made a crucial save with his leg to ensure the points were shared.
SOURCE: sportbible.com
