MIKEL ARTETA was booked for his latest bout of touchline antics – with fans left stunned it was only his SECOND yellow of the season.
The Arsenal boss lost his rag on the touchline as he watch his side’s title dreams go up in smoke in the 3-0 drubbing at the hands of Brighton at the Emirates.
Arteta had been riled up all game after referee Andy Madley let some heavy challenges go unpunished in the first half.
That included a hefty challenge on Gabriel Martinelli by Moises Caicedo – leaving the Brazilian in a walking boot – in apparent retaliation for an earlier elbow on Kaoru Mitoma.
In the 63rd minute Madley finally had enough and booked the Arsenal boss.
It came as no surprise to viewers, who have seen Arteta rant and rave on the touchlines all season.
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But they were stunned to discover, from SkySports’ graphic, that this was only the second time he’s been in the referee’s book all campaign.
One tweeted: “Can’t believe that was only Arteta’s second yellow of the season.”
Another said: “Does Arteta know what that box in front of his dugout is actually for?”
And another said: “Yeah, that yellow card has been a long time coming for Arteta in this match.”
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One remarked: “MIKEL ARTETA GETTING A YELLOW CARD. Behave yourself Arsenal – Jesus.”
Another chimed in: “This should be a weekly occurrence with the way he acts on the touchline.”
One watcher of the game said: “Arteta should pick up a yellow card every game.”
Arsenal’s faint hopes of lifting the Premier League trophy went up in smoke thanks to Roberto De Zerbi’s soaring Seagulls.
Brighton ran out 3-0 winners at the Emirates, with goals from Julio Enciso, Deniz Undav and Oscar Estupinan putting the final nail in the coffin of the Gunners’ title challenge.
Arsenal are now four points behind defending champions Manchester City in second place but have played two games more the Pep Guardiola’s charges.
They must beat relegation battlers Nottingham Forest next Saturday to ensure City don’t get their hands on their fifth title in six seasons before the final day.
City will be back in league action on Sunday, welcoming Chelsea to the Etihad.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
