Graeme Souness believes Mikel Arteta’s fiery personality will cost Arsenal the Premier League title after a shaky recent run.
The Gunners have failed to win their last three league matches, with Arteta still unhappy over his side’s draw against Brentford last weekend.
Souness believes Arsenal have suffered as a result of Arteta’s touchline behaviour and thinks Manchester City’s success record will mean they take the league title this season.
“Arsenal have looked a very nervy bunch for a whole month now – and in part that stems from Mikel Arteta and his antics on the touchline.
Mikel Arteta was a very animated figure on the touchline in the final few minutes against Newcastle tonight. 😡 #afc pic.twitter.com/NkmgLhTJU3
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) January 3, 2023
“The wild celebrations. The falling out with rival managers. The conduct towards officials. All of this will have had an impact on his players, both live and when they’ve seen it played back.”
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Souness is of the opinion that the Arsenal players are the ones that need to take responsibility if they are to turn their form around.
“The reaction has to come from the players. We’ve been hearing all season that Arsenal have a really strong dressing room, full of winners and big personalities so it’s time for the big men in that dressing room to stand up.”
Arsenal have a chance to retake their spot at the top of the league table this afternoon when they face Aston Villa at 12:30 BST.