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Ben Foster hits out at Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s ‘theatrics’ vs Newcastle
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has come under a lot of criticism for some of his touchline antics against Newcastle United this week, and Ben Foster is the latest to pile on.
The Gunners were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw at the Emirates. It was the first time they dropped points at home this season, and Arteta was furious with some of the referee’s decisions.
Foster, like a few others, thought it was a bit over the top.
Ben Foster hits out at Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s ‘theatrics’ vs Newcastle
There are plenty of animated figures in the Premier League today and Arteta is definitely right up there.
The Spaniard is almost always on his feet on the touchline. He’s seen jumping around, screaming at his players and on occasion, at the referees as well.
In the game against Newcastle midweek, Arsenal had two huge shouts for a penalty. Dan Burn’s challenge on Gabriel Magalhaes inside the box seemed like a clear foul, while the ball definitely struck Jacob Murphy on his arm at the end of the game.
The referee, on both occasions, decided it wasn’t a penalty, and Arteta was absolutely furious on the touchline. He had a go at the fourth official and was even involved in a verbal altercation with Eddie Howe at one point.
Foster believes it was all theatrics and over the top.
He said in , as quoted by : “Proper theatrics! I just think it’s a little bit over the top.”
“They weren’t really penalties. I know we get the benefit of seeing it in slow-motion and all that kind of stuff. But you can tell watching it live that they’re not penalties.”
“But Arteta kicking off on the sidelines – what are you doing? There’s no need for that!”
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Arteta’s reactions on the touchline can be a bit annoying for the neutrals, but that’s just how he is. It’s not something he picked up last week, he has been the same since his first game as a manager back in 2019.
Yes, he probably should be a bit calmer, but some of the reactions from pundits and the media this week have been a bit over the top as well.
The Arsenal boss hasn’t done anything that the likes of Jurgen Klopp, Pep Guardiola and Antonio Conte haven’t over the years. They’ve all often been lauded for their passion, but the verdict hasn’t quite been the same about the Gunners manager.
Arteta and Arsenal fans, however, will not care one bit.
