At a Glance:
- Mikel Arteta took an unorthodox measure ahead of Arsenal’s recent clash against Sporting CP.
- The Arsenal boss has been getting stick for his recent antics.
- Arteta has now been slated by Arsenal fans.
Arsenal received plenty of flak recently for playing a TikTok video in training ahead of their 2-1 defeat against AFC Bournemouth.
Chris Sutton called Arsenal a “laughing stock” for doing so while training footage also emerged involving players segregated in multiple huddles balancing a pen in tandem, which drew criticism from the pundit as well.
Gary Lineker described Mikel Arteta’s antics as “cringe-worthy” as well.
For Arteta and Arsenal, this talk of "fire" is more than just a metaphor.
— gunnerblog (@gunnerblog) April 17, 2026
Earlier this week, a real fire was lit at London Colney.
The pressure is rising, but Arteta's desire to deliver success burns as hot as ever.
Free-to-read on @TheAthleticFC 🔥⬇️https://t.co/ZGRyA739Hh
The Athletic writer Gunnerblog has now revealed that the Spaniard lit a fire at London Colney to inspire his players after claiming he was “on fire” ahead of his side’s 0-0 draw against Sporting CP.
Arsenal fans slam Mikel Arteta for lighting a fire in training
Arsenal fans were less than impressed upon discovering Arteta’s antics, with one supporter writing on X: “What other manager does this performative nonsense, man?
What other manager does this performative nonsense man https://t.co/lYXOKCYgu2
— Manny (@afcmanny_) April 17, 2026
Another supporter voiced their frustration as well by succinctly asking: “He doesn’t help himself sometimes, does he?”
He doesn’t help himself sometimes does he? https://t.co/MsrrF1UZwx
— B.N (@BNfutbol_) April 17, 2026
A third Arsenal fan admitted he is tired of hearing such stories about Mikel Arteta, as they wrote: “Gimmick, gimmick, gimmick, just win, brother.”
Gimmick gimmick gimmick just win brother https://t.co/6WxiFBNXdW
— Flo 🇵🇸 (@afc_flo) April 17, 2026
Another fan believes that the players must find such measures comical from the former Everton midfielder, stating: “Arteta doing everything but coaching an attack capable of executing more than 0.65xG from open play. I’m so sure majority of the players are tired of this gimmick and want him gone for a real coach. They’ll definitely be mocking him in their WhatsApp group.”
Arteta doing everything but coaching an attack capable of executing more than 0.65xG from open play. I'm so sure majority of the players are tired of this gimmick and want him gone for a real coach. They'll definitely be mocking him in their WhatsApp group https://t.co/5BIopN8msi
— Emzel (@Emzyl_) April 17, 2026
A fifth fan complained that the Gunners boss’ antics would certainly not motivate him if he was a player, writing: “Maybe it’s me but the corny stuff he does would put me off as a player. I’m imagining my work boss coming in with a lightbulb and telling to shine to meet a project deadline.”
Maybe it's me but the corny stuff he does would put me off as a player. I'm imagining my work boss coming in with a lightbulb and telling us to shine to meet a project deadline. https://t.co/5UtIS3U67P
— Ricos (@afc_ricos) April 17, 2026
Finally, a sixth Arsenal fan slammed Mikel Arteta and wrote: “He’s just cringe.”
He’s just cringe https://t.co/AlNcxrWQis
— #ArtetaOUT (@TheArsenalFan1w) April 17, 2026
It’s safe to say that the fans are certainly not up for the game upon finding out about this development.
Mikel Arteta needs to realise that the pressure is on Man City
The pressure to win the Premier League title is far more on Arsenal compared to Manchester City, considering Pep Guardiola’s side became the champions of England as recently as in 2024.
However, considering City are six points behind the Gunners with a game in hand and host the visitors at the Etihad Stadium, the contest is virtually a must-win for them.
For Arsenal, on the other hand, even taking home a draw would be a satisfactory result.
With that in mind, Mikel Arteta should be focused on doing as much as he can to keep his players composed ahead of the clash rather than potentially putting even more pressure on them by taking such unorthodox methods to gee them up.
