Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has extended an apology to Chelsea’s Liam Rosenior following comments from the Blues coach accusing the Gunners of a lack of respect ahead of their League Cup semi-final clash.
The incident occurred during the pre-match warm-up at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, when Arsenal staff were seen encroaching onto Chelsea’s half of the pitch.
Rosenior confronted them, urging, “I’ve never asked my team or coaches to encroach on the opposition’s territory. In that moment, I didn’t think it was right where they were operating, they were affecting our warm-up.
“I asked them, maybe not politely, to make sure they stay in their half. Mikel is someone I’ve got so much respect for. It was just in that moment, I didn’t think that respect was shown to my team.”
Arsenal went on to secure a 1-0 win over Chelsea, completing a 4-2 aggregate victory and booking a spot in the final against Manchester City on March 22.
Responding to Rosenior’s remarks, Arteta told reporters on Friday, “It’s his opinion and we respect everybody. At any point, if one of the staff members did that, we apologise. It’s very common in football. With the keepers they need to kick long balls.”
With Manchester City’s next fixture not until Sunday against Liverpool, Arsenal have the chance to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League if they overcome Sunderland at the Emirates on Saturday.
The Gunners currently sit six points clear of second-placed City and seven ahead of third-placed Aston Villa as they chase their first English top-flight title since 2004.
Moving nine points clear would also put City under significant pressure at Anfield, a ground where Guardiola’s side has often struggled.
However, Arteta remains cautious, mindful of Arsenal’s earlier draw against Sunderland. “We don’t have much time to listen to that. We are busy with games and training. We are far from that. It’s normal. We are here to learn and improve,” he said.
“Sunderland have been on an incredible run all season. We know the complexity of the match. It’s another opportunity to win. To be better in the position. That’s it.”
Alongside their strong league and League Cup form, Arsenal remain in the hunt for the Champions League and FA Cup, having not won silverware since lifting the 2020 FA Cup.
“It’s an amazing group and they are doing an incredible job so far,” Arteta added. “We are all very excited and privileged to have each other. We are going to enjoy it till the end of the season.”
