MIKEL ARTETA has apologised after Liam Rosenior accused Arsenal of disrespecting Chelsea in the warm-up before Tuesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final.
Rosenior was caught by TV cameras giving a member of Arsenal’s coaching staff an X-rated earful after their warm-up crept into Chelsea’s half of the Emirates pitch.
The Blues boss, whose side lost the second leg 1-0 to go out 4-2 on aggregate, added fuel to the fire on Thursday by accusing Arsenal of a lack of respect.
Arteta has apologised and shifted focus to Saturday’s game with Sunderland, when the Gunners hope to extend their six-point lead at the top of the Prem.
The Arsenal boss said: “It’s his opinion and obviously we respect everybody.
“And, at any point if one of the staff members went through that, we apologise and that’s it.
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“It’s very common in football, especially with the keepers because they have to kick long balls and all that. So nothing left to comment.”
Arsenal are looking to end their 22-year wait to lift the title and Arteta will not get dragged into a war of words with rival managers.
He said: “I would engage with the things that, in my opinion, are relevant for the team, and what is the best for the team, and the club.”
The Arsenal boss has been caught up in touchline spats in the past, mostly famously with Jurgen Klopp when he was Liverpool boss five years ago.
The pair had to be pulled apart by their coaching staff on the touchline at Anfield and Arteta admitted it can be hard to keep your emotions in check when the stakes are so high.
The Gunners boss added: “Sometimes it’s difficult because we cannot be aware constantly about everything.
“And we are human beings and we react to things, so I think it’s normal.
“I try to give the right example, always, and if that’s the intention, that’s okay.”
Arsenal could go nine points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Prem if they beat Sunderland on Saturday.
City are in action on Sunday, when they head to Anfield, while third-placed Aston Villa are seven points behind Arteta’s side and travel to Bournemouth today.
Jurrien Timber is fit for today’s game at the Emirates, despite missing training earlier this week.
Captain Martin Odegaard could return after he was left out of the squad for the win over Chelsea due to niggle.
Bukayo Saka is progressing well in his recovery from a hip injury picked up last week, but is not expected to be fit yet.
Arteta said: “Martin is getting better, it will be a matter of days we believe, and Jurrien’s fine.”
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