10 February 2024 , 18:45
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Emile Smith Rowe has admitted it feels like Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is "on the pitch" at times ahead of Sunday's London derby away at West Ham.
Arteta's touchline behaviour has long been a subject that evokes plenty of different opinions. Several prominent pundits have often questioned whether the Gunners manager should look to adopt a calmer approach when it comes to how he operates within his technical area.
The conversation has reared its head once again recently after last Sunday saw Arteta sprint halfway up the touchline before returning to his bench as part of passionate celebrations following Leandro Trossard's late goal against Liverpool. Several key figures within the punditry scene made clear they felt the Arsenal manager was too emotional during games.
However, it doesn't seem like his players agree. Smith Rowe discussed the way Arteta behaves during fixtures and made clear he had no problem with it. When asked what sets his boss apart, the Gunners ace told Sky Sports: "I'd probably say his passion as well.
"Sometimes it just feels like he is on the pitch as well, I know other managers have passion as well but with him, it feels like he is the 12th man on the pitch."
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Arteta himself also addressed the furore surrounding his celebrations when speaking to the media ahead of the clash against the Hammers on Sunday. He made clear that he feels he's not the only manager to celebrate wildly.
"I love it. I've seen managers at the Emirates on their knees, on the pitch," Arteta explained. "I've seen very big managers walking onto the pitch, I've seen managers going across the touchline.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Is Arteta too emotional on the touchline? Comment below
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been accused of overcelebrating at times this seasonI've seen that all in the Premier League. Personally, I love it because it brings such passion and emotion to the game. "When it's done in a natural and unique way, I think it's great. It's my opinion and a lot of people may have something very different to mine."
It is unlikely that Arteta changes his approach when stood in his technical area at the London Stadium on Sunday. The Spaniard knows that after a weekend that has seen Manchester City and Liverpool win, Arsenal cannot afford a third defeat at the hands of West Ham this term.
The first half of the season saw Arsenal beaten by their upcoming opponents in the Carabao Cup, with the Hammers running out 3-1 winners. Just shy of two months later, West Ham stunned the Emirates with a 2-0 away triumph.
Arteta hasn't recorded a win in east London since May 2022, back when his Arsenal side were fighting to qualify for the Champions League rather than to win a first league title in two decades. Three points on Sunday would surely spark some emotional celebrations once again.
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