"He's a clown, it's an act": Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta slammed by BT Sport pundit

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and his pitchside theatrics have not gone down well with BT Sport's Chris Sutton

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta during a training session at London Colney on February 14, 2023 in St Albans, England.
(Image credit: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is a "clown" for the way he acts on the touchline.

That's according to BT Sport pundit, Chris Sutton, who says that he has no time for the Basque boss's pitchside energy, in a no-holds-barred rant. Sutton, who works on BT Sport's Score show has called Arteta's demeanour "an act" – but admits that it is getting results.

This isn't the first time that the Arsenal boss has come under flack this term. Arteta's animated persona has also been criticised by the likes of former Sky anchor Richard Keys – with the 41-year-old telling Sky Sports, “You can always get better in life, innit,” after a yellow card this season. 

Chris Sutton

Chris Sutton has no time for Arteta's pitchside antics (Image credit: PA)

“There's no doubt Arteta has acted like a clown in the technical area at times, and the punters love all that stuff. They do love it, Sutton told bettingsites.co.uk.

“They love seeing the manager jumping up and around and animated, and in the fourth official’s face. I don't and I think it's a bit of an act at times. He'll say something different but the most important thing is what he’s saying in the sanctuary of the dressing room. 

“And clearly, the messages are getting across and the work he's doing on the training ground is really working with this Arsenal team.

“But as you know all that jumping around isn't necessary for me.”

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta applauds the fans at full-time of the Premier League match between Arsenal and Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on April 1, 2023 in London, United Kindom.

Mikel Arteta has been labelled a "clown" by Sutton (Image credit: Glyn Kirk/AFP via Getty Images)

Sutton is correct that Arteta is doing something right. After a disappointing end to last season in which the Gunners finished outside of the Champions League spots, his side now lead the Premier League by six points with just eight games remaining in the Premier League.

The Spaniard has a win percentage of 58.1 per cent in the Arsenal job.

More Arsenal stories

Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, sparking rumours that the Gunners could have to fight to keep their No.9. Manager Mikel Arteta has identified nine players who could leave this summer – while Rasmus Hojlund is a target up front, along with Leeds star Wilfried Gnonto.

Elsewhere, Gabri Veiga has been rumoured to be on Arsenal's radar, as has AC Milan star Brahim Diaz. Declan Rice is thought to be this summer's big target, with Oleksandr Zinchenko sharing a word with him when Ukraine played England, setting tongues wagging. 

Mark White
Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.