In the lead-up to Arsenalโs crucial clash against Manchester City, shocking reports have emerged of a heated dressing room confrontation between manager Mikel Arteta and one of the teamโs star players. Footage has allegedly surfaced showing an ugly burst-up between the two during a closed-door training session, which is now believed to be the reason behind the playerโs sudden omission from the matchday squad.
Speculation is rife regarding the cause of the tension, but sources close to the club suggest that frustrations have been building behind the scenes for weeks. The player in question, whose name remains undisclosed, has reportedly been unhappy with Artetaโs tactical decisions and lack of regular game time this season. In particular, the player was said to be disappointed after being benched in several key matches, feeling that his contributions on the field were being overlooked.
During the latest training session, things came to a boiling point when Arteta allegedly criticized the playerโs attitude and effort, leading to a verbal altercation. Tempers flared, and the exchange reportedly escalated into a shouting match, with both sides refusing to back down. The footage has left many within the club stunned, as Arteta has previously maintained a reputation for fostering strong relationships with his players.
This dressing room tension has come at the worst possible time for Arsenal, who are looking to build momentum after a rocky start to the season. The Gunners have struggled with consistency, and this latest incident could not only undermine Artetaโs authority but also disrupt the squadโs harmony ahead of one of their biggest fixtures. With the player now dropped from the lineup against Manchester City, fans are left wondering if this internal strife could impact the teamโs performance on the pitch.
As the club braces for a potentially difficult stretch of games, the fallout from this confrontation raises serious concerns about the managerโs ability to maintain control over the locker room. This is a bad start for Arsenalโs campaign, and if tensions arenโt resolved quickly, it could signal even deeper issues brewing behind the scenes. Right now, itโs not looking good for Arteta and his squad.