‘Every time’: Mikel Arteta shares what he’s heard Arsenal fans constantly shouting which he often disagrees with

By Milo Clay

Mikel Arteta has shared with Jamie Carragher on Monday Night Football what he’s heard Arsenal fans shouting which he often disagrees with. 

Arteta has led Arsenal to a brilliant start to the new campaign as they currently sit five points clear at the top of the Premier League table. 

The Gunners have only dropped points on two occasions as they suffered a 3-1 defeat at Old Trafford and were held to a draw away to Southampton. 

Arsenal boast a flawless record at the Emirates this season and have picked up some memorable wins in north London. One came against their bitter rivals Tottenham as they outclassed Antonio Conte’s side on the day. 

Thomas Partey’s long-range stunner was the highlight of the match and despite labelling the goal ‘phenomenal’, Arteta has admitted that he prefers his players to make an extra pass.  

Arteta on Arsenal fans 

Arteta appeared on a MNF special with Carragher that was posted on YouTube last night. 

The Spaniard spoke about his preference for his Arsenal side to pass the ball, rather than unleash shots from range. And he said he’s noticed the Gunners faithful urging Partey to shoot this season. 

“It feels like now when we analyse the game there’s a lot less shots taken from outside the box than there was in your day,” Carragher said. 

Arteta responded: “I think it goes against the culture in this country! Every time we go here at the Emirates the crowd is asking Thomas to ‘shoot, shoot, shoot’. As coaches sometimes we are asking him to do the extra pass!

“We know the percentage of goals you score for shots that you have [from range] but that’s a phenomenal goal [against Tottenham].” 

There’s certainly been a noticeable decline in players taking long-range shots over the years and Arteta’s Arsenal side play in a very similar way to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City team. 

It’s no surprise to hear that Arteta encourages his players to find a pass before taking a shot from range, especially as he worked under Guardiola in Manchester.

Arsenal fans won’t be complaining though as Arteta’s methods are clearly working a treat in north London right now.

The Gunners are now preparing for the return of Premier League football as they’re set to face West Ham on Boxing Day. Arteta will be hoping his side can show they are well-equipped to deal with the absence of Gabriel Jesus as they aim to maintain their place at the top of the table.