Supporters of Everton have been discussing Mikel Arteta ahead of the meeting between the Toffees and the Arsenal manager’s side on Sunday.
On Friday morning, the Liverpool Echo shared a tweet with a link to an article which discussed ‘the changing face of Mikel Arteta’s relationship with’ Everton (as per Liverpool Echo), which got supporters discussing him.
"When I went back on my first time with Arsenal they were upset and the reaction towards me wasn't what I was expected."
A lookback at the changing face of Mikel Arteta's relationship with @Everton.
Via @ConnorOn95.https://t.co/N34wrdA4Uk
— Everton FC News (@LivEchoEFC) February 21, 2020
Never had an issue with him leaving tbf, he was top draw and deserved at crack at trying to win things at Arsenal, it was just way he came back and was snidey towards ex team mates that left a bad taste with him but it was nothing major like…
— Aide Dews (@AidyDews) February 21, 2020
For me he is the only man to leave Everton on transfer deadline day and get away without such a bad time…
— Michael (@sekimsports) February 21, 2020
“He remains the only player in Everton’s history to score in the competition.”@1jamesbeattie says hello. pic.twitter.com/WPyf95MCRu
— James (@fceverton1878) February 21, 2020
Is Mikel Arteta classed as a club legend for Everton?Yes, was fantastic for usNo, not after how he left |
The Spanish manager spent six and a half seasons at Goodison Park between 2005 and 2011, arriving, on loan initially before becoming permanent, from Real Sociedad and departing for Arsenal (as per Transfermarkt).
Over his time in Merseyside, the, now, 37-year-old gaffer featured in 209 appearances, during which he bagged 35 goals and 33 assists for the Toffees (per Transfermarkt), however, some supporters pinpointed where things turned sour.
The only reason for the animosity towards him was because he grabbed / kissed the Arsenal badge after scoring against us at the Emirates (in the FA Cup, I believe)
— Stu (@Stupot1990) February 21, 2020
Agree with Stu, gutted to see him leave but defi no animosity to him until the badge kissing and wild celebrations when he scored against us at the Emirates and then his performance here when he tried to smash our young players, until Bainesy put him right. Still a legend though.
— Mark Ellis (@mjellisuk) February 21, 2020
Made a reputation from passing sideways to Phil Neville! Went missing when needed most!
— David McGorian (@DaveMac1977) February 21, 2020
What do we think?
When the two sides meet on Sunday afternoon (per The Telegraph), it will be interesting to see if any of that animosity remains now that Arteta is in a managerial capacity.
Either way, the tie at the Emirates Stadium should be an interesting one due to the close proximity of the two sides in the Premier League table (as per BBC).