Mikel Arteta is being called out for repeatedly breaking Premier League rules during Arsenal’s win over Chelsea.
Mikel Arteta once again got fans talking with his behaviour on the sidelines during Arsenal’s win over Chelsea on Sunday. Many noticed that he clearly broke a rule but didn’t get punished for it.
Arsenal, the Premier League champions, came from behind to beat Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium, thanks to a late winning goal from captain Martin Odegaard. Morgan Rogers scored just 77 seconds into the game for Chelsea, but Kai Havertz quickly equalized against his old club. In the second half, Odegaard scored to keep Arsenal’s perfect start to the season going.
As expected, the London derby was intense, and Arteta was practically chasing every ball along the touchline. The Spanish coach is known for being very animated, and this game was no different, especially as he faced off against his good friend and fellow Spaniard.
But fans got upset with Arteta’s actions, especially because he spent so much time outside his technical area and right by the pitch. This season, other managers like Roberto De Zerbi and Matthias Jaissle have already been shown yellow cards for the same thing.
One fan on X wrote, “This Arsenal team gets away with everything every week, and so does Arteta on the touchline. What’s the point of technical areas if he doesn’t stay in them?” Another said, “I haven’t seen Arteta in his technical area once this game. Always on the touchline. One rule for Arsenal, one rule for others.”
Others added, “Arteta is practically pressing his opponents right on the touchline, and the fourth official doesn’t say a word,” and “It’s clear the rules just don’t apply to Arteta.”
The new rules this season say only one person can stand at the front of the technical area while coaching during a match. Another person can stand, but they have to stay close to the seating area. If these rules aren’t followed, the coach should get an automatic yellow card.
Managers must stay inside their technical areas and not step outside. A quick step out isn’t usually punished, but doing it over and over means a yellow card should be given.
Arteta avoided a booking, which annoyed some opposition fans even more, especially since he was seen smiling and chatting with the fourth official right after the final whistle.