Mikel Arteta Fires Back at Jamie Carragher Over ‘Handbrake’ Jibe

Mikel Arteta fires back at Jamie Carragher, defending Arsenal’s bold tactics and rejecting the ‘handbrake’ label after the 1-1 draw with Man City.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta fires back at Jamie Carragher after the Sky Sports pundit accused him of applying the “handbrake” in big matches. The criticism followed Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City in the Premier League.

Carragher, joined by fellow pundit Gary Neville, criticised Arteta’s tactics, claiming Arsenal were too cautious in the first half.
“Time after time, when it comes to big games, he picks a team that feels like he’s thinking more about the opposition,” Carragher said. “Manchester City were there for the taking, but he allowed them back into the game.”

Arteta Defends Arsenal’s Ambition

Arteta strongly rejected the suggestion that Arsenal lacked intent. Speaking ahead of the Carabao Cup clash with Port Vale, he said:
“How can you be dominant against such a team if you have… what was the word? Handbrake. Dominance and handbrake, they are two different words.”

The Arsenal boss highlighted key stats, including limiting City to just 33.2% possession — the lowest figure of Pep Guardiola’s top-flight career. Arteta argued that his team’s attacking structure, from goalkeeper David Raya to midfielders and full-backs, proved Arsenal were not conservative.

Midfield Selection Questioned

Arteta also addressed his decision to start Mikel Merino ahead of Eberechi Eze. While Eze came on to assist Gabriel Martinelli’s equaliser, Arteta defended his choice, citing tactical balance and fitness concerns.
“Could he play 90 minutes? That’s a question I put for myself because none of you know the load that he can do,” Arteta explained.

Despite criticism from Carragher and Neville, Arteta insisted he will stick to his methods.
“I respect everybody’s opinion. If I can see and learn something that I haven’t seen, I’m more than happy to do so. That’s never an issue,” he concluded.

Arteta’s response shows his determination to back his tactical approach and challenge any narrative that questions Arsenal’s ambition.

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