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4th January 2026
04:53pm GMT
In the aftermath of Arsenal's close-fought 3-2 victory over Bournemouth, the Gunners' head coach Mikel Arteta has come under increased online scrutiny for his pitchside etiquette.
The north Londoners came from behind the secure all three points on the south coast, thanks to an inspired performance from defender Gabriel, and a second-half Declan Rice brace.
The Brazilian defender was initially at fault for Evanilson's opener, after giving the ball away in a lapse of concentration, but he struck back later in the half to score his 20th goal for the Gunners, and level the tie.
Arsenal then flew into a 3-1 lead thanks to Rice, and managed to hold on for all three points, despite a screamer from Eli Junior Kroupi
late in the game.
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While much of the post-match discourse was dominated by Arsenal's growing status as favourites to win the 2025/26 Premier League title, after the result saw Arteta's side go six points clear at the top, a fair proportion of online fans were keen to discuss a controversial action made by the Spanish manager during the game.
During his time at Emirates Stadium, Arteta has frequently come under criticism for his actions on the sidelines, where he can often be seen moving well out of his well designated "technical area," often to shout instructions to players or simply get a closer look at play.
His passionate demeanour may have made the former Everton and PSG midfielder a fan favourite with his club's supporters, but it hasn't always made him popular with the wider football watching public.
Against Bournemouth, Arteta could be seen standing just inches from the playing surface, even as opposition players approached the touchline, earning him allegations of endangering "player safety."
One fan took to the social media platform X to write: "Bournemouth players running into arteta because he’s so close on the touchline. When is he going to get punished?
"It’s now a player safety thing."
Another supporter said: "Arteta loves to leave his area and pretend he’s an extra defender when the opposing player is near the touchline."
In past weeks fans have even called on the PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) to take action against the Arsenal manager, in order to discourage Arteta from repeating the action in further weeks, which fans imply gives the Gunners an unfair advantage.
Premier League rules on touchline etiquette state that "coaching staff must remain within their own technical area during the match," and there are potential punishments that can be issued, ranging from yellow cards, to financial ramifications.
It remains to be seen whether the Premier League will investigate these fan claims over the coming weeks.
In the meantime, Arteta and Arsenal will be looking ahead to thier clash with Liverpool on January 8th. Arne Slot's Reds are one of only two teams to have beaten the Gunners this season, and Arsenal are sure to be on the hunt for revenge.
