By Gabriel Agbonlahor

9th Mar, 2022 | 8:00pm

Arsenal news: Pundit issues 'screaming and shouting' claim after Mikel Arteta controversy

Gabby Agbonlahor has heaped praise on Mikel Arteta for his touchline “passion” at Arsenal.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Aston Villa and England attacker delivered his verdict after Arteta played a big role in Arsenal’s third goal in their 3-2 win over Watford on Sunday (6 March).

The Spaniard ran from his technical area to retrieve the ball and give it to Bukayo Saka who took a quick throw-in, as shown in footage shared by Sky Sports on Twitter.

Saka took the throw-in quickly that launched the move which Gabriel Martinelli finished off to secure a vital three points in the race to finish fourth.

Ex-Fifa referee Keith Hackett told Football Insider on Monday (7 March) the goal should have been disallowed as Arteta had clearly left his technical area.

Asked for his verdict on the controversy, Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “I think it’s fine.

“If a ball boy was there they would have thrown it anyway. It’s not a big deal.

“It shows his passion for the club and his passion as a manager. I loved it.

“Maybe other managers should take a leaf out of his book, those managers that sit down.

“Arteta’s always up and about like he’s playing. That livens you up when a manager is there screaming and shouting.

“If a manager is relaxed the players can maybe take their foot off the gas. It’s definitely a good thing, 100 per cent.”

Arsenal occupy the final Champions League place with 13 games left to play this season.

They are next in action on Sunday (13 March) when Leicester City visit the Emirates.

In other news, Kieran Maguire has questioned if Arsenal are a ‘big-six’ club anymore after a £238m announcement.