Ally McCoist claims Mikel Arteta's controversial touchline antics are deliberate

23 February 2023 , 16:18

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Mikel Arteta is often animated on the touchline (Image: Getty Images)

Ally McCoist believes Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta "deliberately" acts out on the touchline to motivate his players and Gunners fans.

Arteta has been criticised for his animated behaviour on the touchline this season, which has included overzealous appeals at refereeing decisions. The Spaniard hit the headlines again after Arsenal's 4-2 win at Aston Villa last Saturday for appearing to mock the referee.

Arteta has been called an "embarrassment" by Richard Keys and a "clown" by Chris Sutton for his touchline antics, but McCoist does not have a problem with them. He believes the manager's behaviour has helped turn the Emirates into a "completely different stadium".

Arsenal's ground, which opened in July 2006, faced criticism during Arsene Wenger's tenure for lacking atmosphere. Yet Arteta's side have transformed the Emirates into a cauldron of passionate noise and a fortress visiting teams struggle to conquer.

This has helped Arsenal storm up the table. They are two points clear of Manchester City in the Premier League title race and have a game in hand over Pep Guardiola's side. The Gunners could win a first league title in 19 years, thanks in no small part to Arteta.

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"I don't have a problem with it," McCoist told talkSPORT of Arteta's behaviour. "A lot of people have a problem with it, I do not have a problem with it at all."

Ally McCoist claims Mikel Arteta's controversial touchline antics are deliberate

Andy Townsend believes Graham Potter needs to be more like Mikel Arteta on the touchline (Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP/REX/Shutterstock)

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The Scot added: "I think he's probably done it deliberately. I actually think he probably has to get himself into a little bit of trouble to show the supporters [how much he cares]."

McCoist said of the Emirates: "That is a completely different stadium nowadays... If you're on that pitch and you're looking across to see, 'Where is the boss?'"

Arteta crept into the conversation between McCoist and fellow presenter Andy Townsend while they were discussing Chelsea's form under Graham Potter. The Blues have scored just six Premier League goals since the World Cup in Qatar and have slipped down the table.

Chelsea are 10th in the Premier League, 11 points behind Tottenham in fourth and 11 points above the relegation zone. Potter is a completely different character to Arteta, but Townsend believes he needs to be more like the Spaniard to motivate his players.

Townsend compared Arteta to successful contemporaries Pep Guardiola, Thomas Tuchel, Antonio Conte and Jurgen Klopp. He believes those managers are contesting every decision, pointing fingers and screaming at players because of their desire to win.

Townsend, who played for Chelsea during the 1990s, explained: "They [Arteta and Co.] aren't settling for anything other than their best... there's something about being a manager where you've got to show your players that you are going shoulder to shoulder."

Townsend added: "Graham can't change what he is - he's not necessarily going to be doing that. But there's something... I don't think you can stand there with your arms folded and your hand on your chin and sort of look like you're trying to solve a puzzle.

"Sometimes, you've got to do a bit more, you've got to be a bit more demonstrative and get on with it and demand the best from your players. You've got to somehow get it out of them, Ally, because at the moment, it's not happening."