Mikel Arteta has faced criticism for his reaction to Max Dowman's sending off as Arsenal suffered the biggest upset in League Cup history, losing to League Two side Fleetwood Town in the Carabao Cup.
The Premier League champions were eliminated from the competition by the team 18th in League Two, who toppled the North London giants at Highbury on Tuesday night. With the score level at 1-1, Dowman reacted after a hefty tackle from Harrison Neal.
The 16-year-old lashed out at Neal, who remained on the ground, resulting in a straight red card and triggering a confrontation between both sides. Arteta was visibly angry on the sidelines and was seen having a heated exchange with Dowman as the youngster headed towards the tunnel in the final moments of the match, before the Gunners lost on penalties.
Pundit's Reaction to Arteta's Behavior
Sky Sports pundit Jobi McAnuff expressed shock at the dismissal but highlighted Arteta delivering harsh words as the player departed the pitch. He said: "I'm really surprised. Listen, maybe you know it's a bit of naivety, he's a young lad. But he [Arteta] gives him a proper talking to as he goes down the tunnel."
McAnuff added: "Clearly not happy with that ill-discipline. But we do have to remember he's a young boy - he's a kid - in a really high-pressure situation. I can't understand Mikel Arteta's reaction. Listen, he probably feels frustrated, he's the manager, he probably feels it's a bit petulant, a bit naive, which is what I think it is."
He continued: "It's not really a full kick, his knee's kind of already in contact with the player, it's almost like a flick out really [after] the meaty challenge. It's frustration from Max Dowman after a bit of a difficult night. But when we see the reaction from Mikel Arteta, we have to remember, this is a 16-year-old kid. Yes, he's got an Arsenal shirt on; yes, he's a fantastic talent. He's going to make some mistakes along the way. I just felt the reaction, I didn't like it at all. He's obviously given him a little bit going down the tunnel."
Arteta's Comments on the Incident
After the match, Arteta commented on the red card: "It's difficult to see on the cameras so I'd prefer to watch it back properly and then I can assess the situation." When asked what he specifically told the teenager, he responded: "Something that we discussed already before the match."
Arteta insisted he could not criticise the players' attitude, saying: "The attitude I have zero [problems with] otherwise I would be here absolutely fuming. I'm sad. I think we are all sad. We have the responsibility to carry this badge in the best possible way."
He added: "It had nothing to do with effort, application or determination to go and win it, but we lacked other things to create a much bigger margin, and the ability should have been shown in the scoreline."
Former Players' Views and Injury Concerns
Ex-Arsenal player Paul Merson believed the red card was overly severe, commenting: "If they'd have had VAR they might have looked at it again. I feel for the lad. He's 16, hasn't had the greatest night, is a bit frustrated and has kicked away. I'd be interested to see what Mikel Arteta said to him when he walked off."
Arteta also confirmed that three of his players are doubts to face Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday. Declan Rice, Riccardo Calafiori and Noni Madueke missed the defeat through injury. He said: "Calafiori was out, Noni was out with an ankle, and Declan was feeling a problem the other day [against Everton], which is why I had to substitute him."
