When MIKEL ARTETA tackled one of Arsenal’s few fit forwards on the training field, it left the supporters speechless.
During the north Londoners’ last practice for the second leg of their Champions League semi-final matchup against Real Madrid on Wednesday, the Spaniard participated in a rondo drill.
Additionally, he made the practice more intense by having Raheem Sterling, one of the team’s few fit forwards, perform it while on loan.
Gabriel Martinelli delivered the ball to Arteta, who slid in with his right foot.
Additionally, he almost crunched the England international.
On social media, footage of the incident went viral.
“Our manager is sliding into tackles 24 hours before [the] biggest game of [the] season,” remarked an Emirates supporter.
“He’s a lunatic.”
Someone else replied: “Does he know our biggest game of the season is tomorrow ????!!!!!!”
Another commented: “[Can’t believe] I’m seeing Arteta attempt slide tackles during a rondo a day before the biggest game of his managerial career.”
Arteta ended up on the receiving end of a nutmeg just seconds after he nearly rattled into Sterling.
Additionally, his soldiers promptly reminded him that he would have to perform a press-up forfeit for letting himself get megged.
Arsenal’s thrilling 3-0 victory over the European powerhouses last week will give them a three-goal lead at the Bernabeu.
“It’s on nights like this, that you can write your own history,” the retiring midfielder said, indicating that Arteta and his team aren’t sitting back and enjoying their success.
“It resulted from our players’ individual and group talent. We have a lot more to offer now.
“We’re going to enjoy the win but we know it’s half-time and we’re going to have to be even better in Madrid.”