Why Mikel Arteta is not in the dugout vs Aston Villa as Arsenal boss replacement revealed
Arsenal will be without head coach Mikel Arteta in the dugout against Aston Villa in a title battle on Saturday evening at Villa Park. The Gunners manager was given a touchline ban after receiving his third yellow card of the season during a midweek match against Luton Town.
Following Declan Rice’s 97th-minute winner, the Arsenal bench was considered to be over-celebrating, resulting in the third yellow card. Arteta’s touchline behavior has been a source of contention this season, with reports of his straying beyond his technical area.
“We are [allowed to celebrate goals], but I think we have a limit,” Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger stated ahead of the game about the FA allegation. “Perhaps we need to extend. We merely need a very strong rope or we won’t be able to move. However, this means that WE [all managers] do not move – all of us.”
It means the influential boss will be unable to direct proceedings from the sidelines against Aston Villa on Saturday. The Gunners are presently leading the Premier League title race, but Villa have put themselves firmly in contention following their strong start to the season.
Former Arsenal manager Unai Emery has led his team to third place, four points behind the top, while consistently performing well. Their most recent result was a 1-0 victory over Champions Manchester City, allowing them to leapfrog their opponents and call the championship into doubt.
The Gunners will face a difficult assignment at Villa Park, and with Arteta leading from afar, there will be a variety of leaders in the dugout. Albert Stuivenberg is expected to take charge of the game, with Nicolas Jover also there to guide the team through the contest.
It remains to be seen how the Gunners can cope without their captain, but those on the field will have to do their best to convey his messages and style of play.