Richard Keys reignites key Mikel Arteta criticism which has now become a ‘detriment’ to Arsenal

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Mikel Arteta has come under fire from a familiar source in the wake of Arsenal’s North London Derby triumph.

Arsenal claimed the bragging rights over their bitter local rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. 

Mikel Arteta’s side were deserving of their 1-0 victory, but had to dig deep defensively to secure the three points. 

Gabriel Magalhaes was a star at the back, and the Brazilian centre-back was also able to provide the winning goal in the second half before celebrating with the travelling Arsenal contingent.  

Arteta celebrated on the sidelines, too, with his coaching staff. The former midfielder was also enthusiastic in his applause for the Arsenal fans after the final whistle.

• READ MORE: What is the North London Derby? Everything you need to know about the Arsenal and Tottenham rivalry

Richard Keys takes aim at Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta

Despite there being nothing especially notable or over-the-top about Arteta’s antics in the wake of this victory, Richard Keys has revived an old complaint that he has about the Spanish coach.

Speaking on beIN Sports, he said: “Do you think that he is occasionally guilty of over exuberance, and perhaps celebrating too quickly?

“I’ve seen successful people. I was brought up, in my youth, watching Liverpool. That wonderful team. They didn’t celebrate, on any given day, any given time, until they’d got their hands on the trophy they were chasing.

“I just think sometimes Arsenal have got a bit carried away and it’s been to their detriment.”

Keys has made this case about Arteta before, and it frankly feels like an agenda that he alone feels a need to trumpet.

Is Mikel Arteta holding Arsenal back?

It is hard to see how Arteta could possibly be considered any kind of detrimental figure at the Emirates Stadium.

The 42-year-old has transformed the North London club since his appointment in the winter of 2019. The Gunners are now genuine contenders for major honours again, and there is a true affinity and connection between the fans and the club.

Clearly, the Arsenal hierarchy are still convinced by Arteta, as they recently awarded him with a new three-year contract. 

His touchline presence and exuberance is all part of what makes him such a popular figure in North London, and is something that the players have obviously bought into, too.

Arteta’s character was recently praised, and far from being an issue for the club, as suggested by Keys, it ought to be seen as a factor in his success.