‘Is this what the modern game has become’ – Souness tears into Mikel Arteta’s ‘nonsense’ tactic | The Sun

GRAEME SOUNESS has criticised some of the tactics employed by Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, labelling them "nonsense".

The Gunners sit five points clear at the top of the Premier League table with 11 games remaining.


But a couple of his coaching methods have caught the eye, namely playing Anfield noise through speakers during a training session ahead of their trip to Liverpool.

Arsenal's players were also pictured holding a replica of the iconic clock from the Clock End in the changing room following their 3-0 win over Fulham last weekend.

And Souness has ripped apart both of Arteta's ideas.

Speaking in his column for The Mail, he said: "I read the story about Arsenal taking their home comforts into opposition dressing rooms and had to read it again to make sure it wasn't a joke.

READ MORE ON ARSENAL

Incredible reason why Arsenal were pictured with huge clock at Fulham revealed

Bet £5 on football and get £20 in free bets with Ladbrokes

"Really? Is this what the modern game has become?

"So Arsenal players arrive at Fulham to find their own clock is on the wall along with their own pictures and stickers?

"It's extremely strange and only a winning manager can get away with that.

"The Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is doing a fine job but he has form for such nonsense.

Most read in Football

MASON TO TIE KNOT

Man Utd outcast Mason Greenwood to tie the knot with pregnant partner

CON MAN

Fuming Man Utd fans insist Europa draw is 'more fixed' than Champions League

EURO STAR

Man Utd get nightmare Europa quarter tie against bogey team they've NEVER beaten

'THE PLAYER IS OURS'

Jose Enrique leaks Liverpool's first summer transfer for Bayern star

FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS

"Last season he had You'll Never Walk Alone played over the loudspeakers at training to prepare his players for a game at Anfield. They lost 4-0, so that went well for them.

"When I walked into an opposing dressing room I didn't want to feel comfortable. I didn't want to feel like I was in my living room at home. I was at work. I was on enemy territory and I wanted to feel fired up.

"If I had arrived at an away ground to find a clock from Anfield waiting for me on the wall, I would have burst out laughing. And I would not have been alone."

Arsenal crashed out of the Europa League on Thursday evening as Sporting Lisbon beat them on penalties in the last-16.

But they are still in the box seat to win the Premier League title and can extend their lead at the top of the table to eight points with a win over Crystal Palace on Sunday.


Source: Read Full Article