Agbonlahor can’t believe Mikel Arteta latest – ‘Everyone wants to put Arsenal down’
Gabby Agbonlahor has no issue with Mikel Arteta’s touchline behaviour at Arsenal after the Gunners boss was criticised for his antics.
The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted everyone is keen to criticise the league leaders because of their impressive form this season.
Arteta has come under fire this season for his behaviour on the sidelines, with Alan Shearer suggesting he has “disrespected the opposition” with his constant complaining, while Chris Sutton labelled the Spaniard a “clown”. [Evening Standard]
The Gunners have been hit with two FA charges this month for “failing to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion” in matches against Newcastle United and Oxford United.
But Arteta has defended his actions, saying: “I am who I am, and I try to do my best to defend the players, defend the club.”
Pep Guardiola also jumped to defend Arteta over his actions, suggesting the criticism was being used to try and “undermine” the Arsenal boss’ success this season.
Speaking to Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury, Agbonlahor said: “I don’t have a problem with it.
“You want to see passionate managers in the Premier League.
“It’d be easy for managers to sit on their heated seats and relax and watch the game, you want to see a manager with the players showing that passion.
“There are many other managers in the Premier League that do it but Arsenal are doing so well this season that everyone wants to put them down.“
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