There was plenty to celebrate as Arsenal picked up their first away win against a traditional top six side since 2015 with a 1-0 victory over Manchester United – but one prominent pundit hit out at a Gunners talisman.
Roy Keane was left unimpressed by match-winner Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, accusing him of disrespect towards his manager Mikel Arteta.
The Gabon international, who won the game with his penalty, coolly referred to his manager by his first name in a post-match interview, as opposed to his surname or a more conventional term such as ‘boss’, ‘manager’ or ‘gaffer’.
Former Premier League-winning captain Keane did not hold back as he spoke on Sky Sports Premier League (1/11/2020, 19:24) [via Pundit Arena]:
“They didn’t show him respect when they called him by his name Mikel. He is the manager, the boss, the gaffer. That’s respect. Not Mikel.”
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Keane’s comments come across as mildly indignant and petty. If anything, Aubameyang’s use of ‘Mikel’ is a real positive for Arsenal fans – albeit an unusual one.
Being able to casually refer to Arteta by his first name is certainly unusual in terms of media responses, but it is indicative of a close friendship between Aubameyang and the Spaniard. This could reflect the sentiments of the wider Arsenal squad, thus echoing a positive chemistry that exists between the team and its manager.
It may be as simple as Arteta being indifferent about how he is addressed by his players. It is likely a non-issue; Arsenal fans and Arteta alike will surely be more occupied with their delight at winning three crucial points in a tough fixture against United. Football fans may be left puzzled as to why Keane felt so strongly about Aubameyang’s syntax.
Far from being cause for concern, it is a reason for positivity – Arteta may well welcome such an informal reference to the media.
