Mikel Arteta has occasionally been called out for a petty or intense side, especially in defeat. The 43-year-old Arsenal manager possesses a fiery touchline behavior.
His clash with the officials and opponents during a 2023 draw with Newcastle got him labeled “out of control” by Richard Keys. Arteta has also faced accusations of making excuses after setbacks, such as blaming the ball in a Carabao Cup loss or long grass in a draw at Burnley.
These moments paint him as someone who struggles to hide frustration when results don’t go his way, though he defends it as passion for the club.
This trait surfaced in Arsenal’s recent games against Sunderland, where ex-Gunner Granit Xhaka now plays.
Back in November Arsenal drew 2–2 at the Stadium of Light. Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard scored, but a late equalizer cost them two points.
Post-match, Arteta and Xhaka avoided each other and there was no chat or handshake.
Xhaka later explained to BBC Sport that he chose to keep his distance, saying it’s better to “leave him alone when he draws or loses,” respecting Arteta’s frustration after dropped points.
The contrast came yesterday with Arsenal’s 3–0 home win, putting them nine points clear at the top.
Martin Zubimendi’s long-range stunner opened the scoring, followed by substitute Viktor Gyokeres’ second-half brace in a dominant display.
After the whistle, Arteta and Xhaka shared a warm embrace and smiles, chatting happily on the pitch.
Granit Xhaka and Mikel Arteta shared an embrace at full time 🫂
— Stan Sport Football (@StanSportFC) February 7, 2026
The pair reuniting as Xhaka spent 7 years with Arsenal, 4 of those under Arteta’s guidance.
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Their history adds context as Xhaka served as captain under Arteta before leaving in 2023.
He has praised Arteta’s belief in him, and this seems more about Arteta’s competitive mood swings than outright pettiness. In defeat he broods but in victory he reconnects warmly.
Xhaka gets it, respecting boundaries when points are dropped while enjoying the reunion in triumph.
