3<\/p>\n Arteta is known for going through all the emotions on the sideline during gamesCredit: Getty<\/p>\n Despite the passion on show from Arteta, who oversaw a 2-1 win on aggregate over Atleti<\/a> thanks to Bukayo Saka’s second leg goal, it wasn’t to everyone’s taste.<\/p>\n What did Dan Thomas say about Mikel Arteta?<\/p>\n But Thomas took things a step further when he questioned whether Arteta’s actions deserved a ‘punch in the face’.<\/p>\n Thomas added: “I thought, today, Arteta out-Simeoned, [Diego] Simeone.<\/p>\n “The way he was running around at the end. It\u2019s got to be frustrating, hasn\u2019t it, as an opposition coach?”<\/p>\n Read more football news<\/p>\n Former Arsenal midfielder Stewart Robson meanwhile stated: “What is a coach on the side of the pitch supposed to do? He\u2019s meant to coach the game, he\u2019s meant to give instructions.<\/p>\n “All Arteta does, I think he\u2019s doing it for himself, \u2018Look at me, I\u2019m great, I run this club, I do this, I do that\u2026 It\u2019s just absolutely pathetic.”<\/p>\n Thomas’ controversial comments attracted plenty of criticism online, prompting the ESPN pundit to issue an apology to Arteta.<\/p>\n Statement<\/p>\n “I just want to make reference to something I said yesterday, an off-hand comment that landed literally,” Thomas said.<\/p>\n “Obviously, it was not intended to land that way. <\/p>\n “I\u2019ve thought about it today and I could have phrased it in such a better way.<\/p>\n 3<\/p>\n Arteta has taken Arsenal to their first Champions League final since 2006Credit: Getty<\/p>\n “So, going forward I will definitely try not to say anything silly.”<\/p>\n With a spot in the Champions League final and the Premier League title race reaching its climax, a pundit questioning whether he should be punched is the least of Arteta’s worries.<\/p>\n Arsenal still on for double as crunch fixtures loom<\/p>\n The win over Atleti meant Arsenal<\/a> qualified for their first Champions League final in two decades.<\/p>\n Arteta’s side will face defending champions Paris Saint-Germain<\/a> in the final, with the bumper clash scheduled for May 30.<\/a><\/p>\n Before their shot at European glory, the Gunners will be fully focused on winning their first league title since the 2003\/04 campaign.<\/p>\n Arsenal sit top of the Premier League on 76 points – five ahead of second-placed Manchester City<\/a> with three fixtures remaining.<\/p>\n 3<\/p>\n City handed back control of the title race to Arsenal following their recent 3-3 draw at EvertonCredit: Getty<\/p>\n However, City have a game in hand, meaning they can shrink the margin to two points should they win that.<\/p>\n City, who were level on points with Arsenal after 33 games, may be left to rue a staggering collapse against Everton<\/a> last Monday.<\/p>\n Pep Guardiola<\/a>‘s side looked to be in cruise control thanks to Jeremy Doku’s first-half strike, but two goals in five minutes midway through the second half flipped the contest on its head.<\/p>\n Read More on talkSPORT<\/p>\n Everton even led 3-1 with less than ten minutes to go, only for Erling Haaland<\/a> to pull one back and Doku to equalise with the last kick of the game.<\/p>\n![\"Mikel](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/2025-26-semi-final-second-1078551973.jpg\")
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