Arsenal - Chelsea: Mikel Arteta issues an apology

Mikel Arteta opted for a calm approach. Following the controversy that erupted after the Carabao Cup semi-final won by Arsenal (3-2), the Gunners' manager was keen to defuse the tension sparked by what the opposing side considered an intrusive warm-up.

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Liam Rosenior had voiced his frustration, claiming the London staff had crossed a line:

"I have never asked my team or my coaches to encroach on the opponent's territory. (...) They were disrupting the warm-up of my players and my staff."

These remarks quickly fueled the debate.

On Friday, Arteta responded candidly, choosing to apologize:

"I don't know, that's his opinion and of course we respect everyone. If at any point a staff member experienced this, we apologize, plain and simple."

A statement that should put an end to an episode that has already been overblown.

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI |

Editor

Football web writer creating digital sports content with a focus on news, analysis and stories that reflect passion, accuracy and objectivity.

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