Mikel Arteta was spotted jockeying Dejan Kulusevski as the Spurs forward attempted to break down the wing late on in the North London Derby.
Both Spurs and Arsenal went into the game on Sunday with 13 points apiece, and one could argue that Ange Postecoglou’s men had looked the better side in the first five league games of the season.
Despite this, many pundits suggested that the Gunners would give their fierce rivals a reality check and run away comfortable winners (talkSPORT).
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 24: Ange Postecoglou, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur, looks on during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium on September 24, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
That is perhaps understandable, given that Arsenal were the closest challengers to Manchester City for the title last season and strengthened their squad significantly in the summer.
However, it was actually Tottenham who served a reality check to the home side on Sunday, showing that they were not afraid to take the game to their rivals.
Spurs passed their first big test of the season with flying colours, which will perhaps give their supporters optimism about what they can achieve this season, but Arteta seemed to be up to the dark arts a little.
Mikel Arteta appears to try and put Kulusevski off
Towards the end of the game, when Kulusevski was trying to break away down the right wing, Arteta stepped out of his technical area and appeared to jockey the Spurs forward.
Whether or not this pressured Kulusevski to kick the ball into no-man’s land, we do not know. But it certainly looked strange and is definitely against the rules from Arteta.
Spurs Web Opinion
It is absolutely too early to make judgements on how far Spurs or any other side can go this season. I do not think it makes sense to look at the league table until at least ten matches in.
However, there is plenty to be optimistic about, not just with the performances that Tottenham have delivered by also the character that they have shown so far.
Arteta needs to calm down on the touchline. This is not the first time he has stepped out of his technical area and gotten in the way. We all remember that Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg clip.
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