Gunners boss Mikel fires back at critics

A DEFIANT Mikel Arteta has hit back at critics who have claimed his “handbrake tactics’ are threatening to derail Arsenal's bid to win the Premier League.

- BY PHILIP DUNCAN

Sky Sports pundits Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher both accused Arteta of selecting a cautious team following Arsenal’s 1-1 draw against Manchester City at the Emirates on Sunday.

Arsenal’s. marque summer signing Eberechi Eze dropped to the bench, despite Martin Odegaard’s absence, with Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice and Mikel Merino forming a midfield three.

Addressing criticism that he approaches big matches with the handbrake on, Arteta said: “Surprised? In football? I don’t think I’m surprised by anything.

“T don’t read it but if you tell me that this is the main one (narrative), I’m surprised, I would be extremely surprised with my knowledge and my know-how and how I analyse a football game.