Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, stated on Friday that he was excited for Saturday’s Premier League game against Newcastle United.
But he emphasised that he had given up on the off-field dramas that plagued their past encounters.
During two of his previous four league games versus Newcastle, Arteta found himself in hot water.
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The 2022–2023 season started with a goalless draw, during which he received criticism for his actions on the touchline.
The Spaniard was then accused of misconduct last season after he slammed the referees after Eddie Howe’s team scored a contentious goal in a 1-0 loss.
“On the touchline, I haven’t got to the point I go into meditating mode.
“Maybe I should. When they change the rules about certain behaviours we need to adapt and that’s what I’ve tried to do,” Arteta told reporters on Friday.
“I don’t want to miss any games. I can’t promise that if we score a goal I won’t jump up and down on the touchline. So far it has worked.”
Asked about his comments regarding the officials, Arteta said: “That’s part of the past and the situation that happened that you learn from, you take a lot of positives as well. We’ve moved on .
” They’re (officials) certainly trying their best.”
With 18 points from nine games, third-place Arsenal will try to maintain their title challenge by defeating Newcastle, who are in 12th place.
However, Arteta maintained that the Tyneside team is far better than their league standing suggests.
“They are a fantastic team, really well coached. They are super intense, great stadium to play in. Looking forward to it,” he told reporters.
In addition to fellow defenders Ben White and Gabriel Magalhaes being doubtful, Arsenal will be missing Riccardo Calafiori due to injury.
Martin Odegaard, a midfielder for Norway who has been out since September due to an ankle injury, will also miss the match against Newcastle, although he is getting closer to making a comeback, Arteta noted.
“Now is the stage he’s going to start to do certain work with us.
“Let’s see how he deals with pain, is his movement natural enough.
“He’s physically at the level that requires him to compete,” Arteta said.
“With the work rate and hours he’s put in I’d be surprised if the moment he starts training with us we don’t say, ‘he looks ready’.
“Hopefully soon.”
At least 158 people have been murdered in the deadly flash floods in eastern Spain, and the Spaniard also paid respect to the deceased, saying, “I want to send our thoughts, support and sympathy.”