FOLLOWING Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United last weekend, Mikel Arteta faced up to the world’s media, from the written press to international broadcasters.
But it was his interview with Sky Sports in the Old Trafford tunnel that grabbed the attention of fans and pundits, appearing to show Arteta “storm out” of his one-on-one chat with reporter Patrick Davison.
Mikel Arteta drew headlines after seemingly walking away from an interview with Sky Sports
But the real reason behind the mix-up has now been explained
Criticism followed. Some called it “petulant”, others claimed it showed that Arteta was cracking under the pressure of a Premier League title race.
But what really happened, and why?
To throw in some context, like most Prem managers, Arteta had a whole host of post-match media to get through before he could travel back to London with his squad.
On this occasion, there were nine interviews to complete, including six international TV broadcasters, UK radio, Arsenal TV and a press conference.
Arteta’s interview with Sky’s Davison was going as expected – questions about the match as well as Arsenal‘s ongoing injury issues.
The length of these full-time Sky interviews can vary. For example, United boss Ruben Amorim spoke for four-and-a-half minutes.
But usually, they last between two minutes and two-and-a-half minutes before managers must move on to other post-match responsibilities.
In this instance, after two minutes and 40 seconds, Arteta was asked whether he regretted not buying a striker in January, to which he replied: “No, it’s not about that” before moving to his right to leave the interview.
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SunSport understands that Arteta believed the interview had come to a natural conclusion, only for Davison to stop him and say: “Mikel, one more.
“I have to ask you about the title race because it is 15 points now. Is it too much?”
Arteta interrupted to say: “No, thank you” before walking off.
As the screen flicked back to the Sky studio, pundit Gary Neville looked slightly alarmed at what had happened.
Neville said: “Usually if you see a manager walk off from an interview when he’s been asked a question, you normally think there is something getting to them.
“Is he sick of being asked that question? Does he think that’s too simple an answer that he doesn’t have a striker?”
However, SunSport understands that Arteta had no issue with the line of questioning, nor did he have a problem with Davison’s approach, just keen to get on to his next media obligation.
It is normal for reporters to try and squeeze as many questions in during the allotted time as possible, as Davison rightly attempted to do.
You may argue that Arteta could have stood still for a couple more seconds to answer the final question, instead of his awkward-looking rushed getaway.
But there was no malice in his hurried departure, nor was he attempting to avoid that particular question.
Arsenal cruised into the Champions League quarters with an aggregate 9-3 win over PSV
The Gunners fielded SIX left-backs as they drew 2-2 on the night
In fact, Arteta had already answered it in much more detail in several other post-match chats, including in the press conference, where he said: “I don’t want to say [the title race is over].
“The frustration is that we haven’t won our game. We know the urgency and it’s about winning every single match if you want to have any chance of doing that.
“I don’t think it’s the right moment to talk about that.”
The Spaniard has not taken the reaction to the incident to heart either.
Moments after Tuesday’s press conference previewing Arsenal‘s Champions League last 16 clash with PSV, Arteta remarked to another Sky reporter with a smile that he thought he was going to be asked about it in order to clarify what happened.
So, it may have looked tense, but it was far from it. Just clumsy.
REAL (MADRID) CHANCE
The Bernabeu will soon play host to Arsenal in the quarter finals of the Champions League – a tie that brings back memories of Thierry Henry’s match-winning goal to down David Beckham and his fellow Galacticos in 2005/06.
That season, Arsenal reached the final in Paris, eventually losing to Barcelona 2-1.
Nineteen years on and it feels like it could be one step too far for this team – with no recognised striker – to knock out Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr on route to another final.
But SunSport understands that there are those in the know in the Madrid press pack that feel the Gunners now have more of a chance to reach the semis after avoiding a two-legged tie against Atletico Madrid.
Diego Simeone’s Atletico would have put up an ugly fight, like they always do, and shut up shop with a low block for 180 minutes or more – something Arsenal have struggled to break down this term.
In comparison, Real will surely attack from the off. That may just make this a 50/50 tie if Arsenal can find their shooting boots and be brave with the ball when space opens up.
APArsenal face 15-time European champions in the quarter-finals[/caption]
ESPANYOL DECISIONS
SunSport understands that Arsenal are keeping tabs on versatile Espanyol full-back Omar El Hilali, who is believed to have a release clause of around £12.5m.
El Hilali can also play as a winger, something Arteta likes in his new recruits.
The Moroccan is just 21 years old with a contract until June 2027, and is also being looked at by Barcelona.
He leads LaLiga in terms of successful tackles resulting in ball recoveries (63) this term.
But Arsenal are also keen on Espanyol’s keeper Joan Garcia, 23, for the summer, needing a No.2 to come in to compete with David Raya when Neto returns to parent club Bournemouth.
Garcia could cost upwards of £25m.
In the scenario that Espanyol do not want to sell both their stars in the same window, Arsenal and Arteta may have a tricky decision on their hands.
GettyArsenal are keeping tabs on versatile Espanyol full-back Omar El Hilali[/caption]
DRESSING DOWN
Normally on a Champions League night at the Emirates, the Arsenal players cannot wait to shower, change and get home – speedily walking through the mixed zone where journalists often stand towards the car park.
But on Tuesday night, after a 2-2 draw with PSV, they were nowhere to be seen.
Instead, they were huddled around a TV in the dressing room watching the penalty shoot-out between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid to find out their quarter final opponents.
It is believed that among them were Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz – both watching the game from the stands as they continue to recover from their respective injuries.
Oleksandr Zinchenko and Riccardo Calafiori eventually came out to conduct interviews sometime after, the former revealing the reaction to the result amongst the squad.
The Ukrainian said: “How can you cheer? It was a mixed feeling. No one said anything. It was just mixed emotions.”
ReutersReal Madrid edged the most controversial shootout in recent European memory[/caption]
GettyFormer Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger just about sealed a 4-2 win over Atletico Madrid[/caption]
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