Premier League15 Sept 20262 minute read

Jamie Carragher compares Mikel Arteta to Sir Alex Ferguson after penalty row

Jamie Carragher believes Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is acting like Sir Alex Ferguson after his furious rant over a penalty decision against Sunderland.

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Arteta compared to Manchester United legend

Mikel Arteta is starting to look like a legendary Manchester United manager. After Arsenal secured a 2-0 win over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, the Gunners boss launched into a furious rant. His anger was directed at a penalty decision made when the game was still goalless.

Arsenal defender Ezri Konsa was penalised for grappling with Dan Ballard in the box during a corner. Referee Stuart Atwell pointed to the spot, and VAR backed the decision. Arteta called the refereeing decision "unacceptable."

Jamie Carragher watched the outburst and made a major comparison. Carragher said, "This was Mikel Arteta becoming the Sir Alex Ferguson of the Premier League right now." He added that Arteta is the "don at the moment" and feels he is in a position of power.

Pushing the narrative

Carragher pointed out how Arteta handled his post-match press conference. No matter what the journalists asked, the Spaniard kept steering the conversation back to the penalty. Carragher explained that Arteta was determined to make sure this kind of decision does not happen to his club again.

This tactic is nothing new in English football. Carragher compared it to the methods of past greats like Ferguson and José Mourinho, who used their influence to put pressure on officials.

Arsenal is not letting the matter drop. The club plans to contact Pro Ref, the body in charge of refereeing in England, to discuss the incident.

Growing pressure on officials

The controversy comes during a very difficult period for Pro Ref. The refereeing organisation recently had to admit a major mistake. They failed to rule Enzo Fernández offside in the build-up to the only goal in the Manchester derby.

Following that high-profile error, the VAR officials involved in the derby have been stood down for the upcoming Premier League fixtures. Arteta's public complaints only add to the growing pressure on officials.

What it means for the next game

Ipswich Town vs Arsenal (Carabao Cup, Tue, 15 Sep): Ipswich Town win 11%, draw 19%, Arsenal win 70%; expected goals 0.81 to 2.29. Our safest pick: Arsenal to win.

Manchester United vs Brighton & Hove Albion (Carabao Cup, Wed, 16 Sep): Manchester United win 52%, draw 23%, Brighton & Hove Albion win 25%; expected goals 2.00 to 1.36. Our safest pick: Manchester United or Draw.