Gary Lineker took aim at Piers Morgan after the outspoken TV presenter toasted Arsenal's 100 percent start to the Premier League season.
The Gunners reclaimed top spot as they were made to come from behind to beat Fulham at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday evening, with the goals coming from Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Magalhaes.
It leaves Arsenal as the only side in the Premier League with a 100 percent record, after a fourth successive win to kick off the new campaign. And that was something that Morgan was all too willing to celebrate on Saturday night. Taking to Twitter after the game, he wrote: “BREAKING NEWS: 4 wins in 4. 12pts of 12. Top of the League. Arsenal.. you beauties. Arteta…”
He then rounded off his post with a series of applauding hands emojis to toast the Arsenal boss in what has been a rather different message to his usual online correspondence regarding the Spaniard; Morgan regularly suggests that Arteta should be relieved of his duties in North London.
Match of the Day host Lineker decided to play on that with his response to Arsenal’s success against Fulham. Quoting Morgan’s original tweet, he replied: “You no longer want Arteta out?”
Morgan and Lineker will no doubt be waiting to see if the Gunners can continue their hot form with their next Premier League clash. The North Londoners are back at home in midweek as they host Aston Villa before then travelling to Manchester United next weekend.
Where do you think Arsenal will finish after their fantastic start to the season? Share your predictions in the comments below
Arteta praised his side for their ability to find a route back into the game and claim victory, as well as Gabriel Magalhaes’ resolve after the Brazilian had been at fault for Aleksandar Mitrovic's opening goal before then scoring the winning goal late on.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, he said: “We’ve [Arsenal] grown up, we have more alternatives, I think we have matured as well. Playing in front of these supporters helps because they are driving you as well and then it’s about belief. A lot of that is about belief and confidence that you can do it and now we have that.”
“It’s just the reaction of everybody. After the goal the stadium’s reaction was just to give support to the player. Then the player has to show courage to continue playing. This is part of football, mistakes are part of it and it’s going to continue to happen. It’s about how you respond to that and I’m really pleased. It’s not a coincidence because Gabby has changed his mentality and the way he approaches every day is different to a year ago,” he continued.
Whilst Morgan is delighted with his side - and indeed Arteta - Lineker was left furious with a decision that went against his former side Leicester City earlier in the day
The Foxes had a goal ruled out against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge with the referee electing that Harvey Barnes had fouled goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. The forward did eventually get his goal, only for a brace from Raheem Sterling to condemn Brendan Rodgers' men to defeat.
