Mikel Arteta Fires Back at Allan Shearer As Arsenal Maintain Title Charge

• Mikel Arteta has refused to be dragged into the debate about his pitchside behaviour
• Arsenal have been charged by the FA following incidents in their home game against Newcastle on January 3rd
• Legendary Premier League striker Allan Shearer was among those who condemned Arteta's behaviour

Arsenal Head Coach Mikel Arteta has responded to the scathing criticism of his pitchside antics by Allan Shearer.

Arteta recently found himself on the wrong side of a couple of fans led by Shearer who found his behaviour wanting when Arsenal faced Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium.

The former Manchester City assistant coach was constantly on the ear of the fourth official as some controversial decisions went against the league leaders. The game ended in a goalless draw.

Shearer, a former Newcastle striker said after the game;

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"I think Mikel Arteta needs to have a word with himself, or his assistant needs to have a word with him and calm him down. I think he’s disrespectful to the opposition and he’s making it very difficult for the referees, who have a hard enough job as it is."

FA charges Arsenal

Football London reports that the FA has since charged Arsenal with failing to control its players. Arteta has now refused to be sucked into the debate claiming that people can have their own opinions.

"I try to do my best for this football club, to defend it, to promote it, and to play with the passion that the game has to be played in. Every game is special and every manager behaves very differently regarding the circumstances."

Arsenal still lead the log, five points ahead of the defending champions Manchester City. They play Oxford in the third round of the FA Cup on Monday before facing Tottenham Hotspur next weekend.

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Arteta's ungovernable antics

Sports Brief had earlier reported that Mikel Arteta’s touchline antics have earned him some criticism online, after Arsenal’s 0-0 draw against Newcastle United on Tuesday, January 4.

The Magpies put out a dogged performance to thoroughly frustrate the league leaders, as they came out with a deserved point at the Emirates Stadium.

There were some contentious moments in the game however, and none was more significant than an incident late in the second half.