Jamie Carragher has expressed that Mikel Arteta is gaining a level of influence in the Premier League that was once dominated by legends Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho. According to the former Liverpool defender, Arteta's vehement reaction to a questionable penalty awarded during Arsenal's triumph over Sunderland epitomises the Spaniard's elevated stature.
Arsenal secured a 2-0 victory away from home, yet post-match, Arteta was visibly frustrated with the referee's decision to award a penalty for a challenge by Ezri Konsa on Dan Ballard, particularly since David Raya had saved Enzo Le Fee's effort.
Arteta stated:
In my opinion, situations like this are unacceptable at this level. I’m quite worried and upset because that cannot possibly be a penalty. The opponent is practically performing a judo throw; Ezri is doing nothing wrong. We must take responsibility and protect the integrity of the game.
Carragher noted how Arteta consistently revisited this particular incident during his media engagements, irrespective of the questions posed:
This is Mikel Arteta, who is starting to become the Alex Ferguson of the Premier League. Right now, he’s the main man. He is the champion of the Premier League.
There are numerous new managers around, yet he has been in his position for six or seven years and feels he’s in a position of strength to say: ‘Yes, that wasn’t a penalty.’ And I agree with him; I don’t think it was a penalty either.
The pundit suggested that Arteta's public reaction might be strategically aimed at influencing future officiating decisions:
It will be interesting to see how long it takes before another referee awards a similar penalty against Arsenal. One journalist noted that no matter what question he was asked, Arteta kept coming back to the penalty. He was determined to convey the message that such decisions should not happen to his club again.
We've seen similar tactics from both Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho.
Previously, it was reported that Arsenal plans to approach the Pro Referee organisation for clarification regarding the decision involving Konsa.
