Mikel Arteta hits back at one question after Manchester City draw

Mikel Arteta delivered a terse response to one question after Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City, firmly defending his choices despite widespread criticism.

Mikel Arteta became visibly frustrated when pressed about his decision to start Mikel Merino, Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi in central midfield against Manchester City on Sunday. The Arsenal manager delivered a sharp rebuke to reporters questioning his tactical approach following the 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium.

When asked to explain his thinking behind the midfield three, Arteta curtly replied: “No, we don’t have time for that – there’s a lot of things to that”. When the Spaniard was pressed for at least a brief answer, he added “I thought it was the best one to start the game. Nobody asked me about the midfield three in Bilbao. Nobody! Yeah, yeah, yeah.”

The Spaniard’s irritation was evident as he dismissed further attempts to scrutinise his selection, suggesting the media’s focus was misplaced given the same trio had helped secure a 2-0 victory over Athletic Club just days earlier.

Arsenal’s conservative approach drew heavy criticism from pundits and former players, with many questioning why Eberechi Eze started on the bench. The Gunners dominated possession with 67.2 per cent of the ball – the highest ever recorded against a Pep Guardiola team – yet struggled to create clear-cut chances in the first half. Erling Haaland’s ninth-minute opener left Arsenal trailing at the interval, prompting Arteta to make tactical adjustments.

The Arsenal boss made a double substitution at half-time, introducing Eze and Bukayo Saka for Merino and Noni Madueke respectively. These changes proved crucial as Arsenal’s attacking threat increased significantly in the second period. However, Arteta revealed that Madueke’s withdrawal was forced by an injury sustained in the first-half.

Sky Sports pundits Micah Richards and Jamie Carragher accused Arteta of “having the handbrake on” and suggested his conservative mindset could cost Arsenal the Premier League title again. The criticism centred on Arsenal’s tendency to start big matches defensively, only to rely on substitutes to change the momentum.

Eze’s introduction proved transformative, with the England international providing the assist for Gabriel Martinelli’s dramatic stoppage-time equaliser. The former Crystal Palace midfielder’s creativity and forward passing were exactly what Arsenal lacked in the first half, raising questions about why he wasn’t given a starting role.

Arsenal’s next fixture comes against Newcastle United away on Saturday, where Arteta will face renewed scrutiny over his team selection and tactical approach as the Gunners look to close the five-point gap to league leaders Liverpool.