In clips from the match, the Spaniard is seen leaving his technical area as Sancho edges closer to the touchline in an attempt to bypass Piero Hincapie's press. Another added: 'Sancho should've played it wide and ran straight into Arteta... Would've been a straight red for Arteta. Arsenal fans were among those who considered Arteta's movement a tactic, with one writing: 'Arteta marking sancho my manager (cry-laughing emoji)'. The act saw Arteta pilloried online for 'always trying to be the main main' and being 'an insufferable p***k'. 'I always say that to continue to win, you have to win in different contexts,' Arteta said after the final whistle.

Source: Metro December 31, 2025 15:36 UTC