Sports

Mikel Arteta’s inspired tactic against Newcastle closes the gap to Liverpool

By Will Schofield

Copyright dailystar

Mikel Arteta's inspired tactic against Newcastle closes the gap to Liverpool

Mikel Arteta wears his heart on his sleeve on the touchline – he jumps for every header, kicks every ball and wants every decision. He’s an emotional manager, and that can often trickle down onto the pitch to his players . It’s not a bad thing to play with heart, but there were times, on Sunday afternoon, when the Gunners played with their heart over their heads . Arteta threw the kitchen sink at the game, after clawing his way back into it, the emotion Arsenal showed now was almost one of anger. Hitting back at their critics from last weekend after not pushing for a winner against Manchester City . And the winner would come from Gabriel – perhaps the most emotionally charged player of the lot. Arsenal felt like it was them against the world from the opening exchanges when VAR overturned a penalty – with referee Jarred Gillet announcing: “After review, the Newcastle goalkeeper plays the ball and there is no foul. The final decision is drop ball.” The Gunners were furious, and every small decision was being met with anger from their players. And there was more fury after Nick Woltemade headed the Magpies ahead. Gabriel felt he had been fouled and charged to remonstrate with the referee – and from kick off he was charged straight towards Woltemade and stuck his arm into his chest. Every little decision was being met with fury – and fans started to notice it online: “Arsenal are soooo emotional they’ll never be serious just play the game!” “Arsenal players are soft and Newcastle knows that. They bully Arsenal every time. Once they start to get emotional they can’t play,” a second said. While a third added: “If Arsenal players can just calm down, they can win this match. Don’t be emotional!” And another added: “Where is the mentality lads, Was that push really enough to put Big Gabbie down?” However, Arteta was able to channel that passion and emotion at half-time. The Gunners levelled thanks to Mikel Merino’s head – but this time they pushed for a winner. “So big for Arsenal, so big for Arteta,” Gary Neville said on Sky Sports. “A week ago the glass was half empty, now it’s more than half full. Liverpool lose, Arsenal win in stunning fashion. “They deserve it, they were the better football team. He made really good subs, he started with a strong team. That will give them huge confidence.”