In a moment of festive levity, Mikel Arteta Got Up and left press conference after 14-Word question left him stunned. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta abruptly ended his post-match press conference with laughter and a hasty exit. This sparked by a cheeky query about his squad’s baby boom.
What Happened
Following Arsenal’s emphatic 8-7 Premier League victory over Crystal Palace on December 21, Arteta faced the media. This alluded to recent pregnancy celebrations. Jesus and Havertz mimicking cradling babies after scoring, tied to their partners’ announcements, plus Martin Ødegaard’s wife expecting. Arteta burst into laughter, stood up, and quipped, “Merry Christmas, have a great one for you and your family! Thank you so much!” before leaving.
🗣️ Mikel Arteta LEAVES the press conference when asked why his players’ partners are pregnant: 😳👋
“Merry Christmas, have a great one for you and your family! Thank you so much!” 🤣🚪
pic.twitter.com/HNaSPkqZGZ
— DailyAFC (@DailyAFC) December 21, 2024
Why It Matters
The viral clip highlights Arteta’s humor under pressure, humanizing a manager often critiqued for intensity. It underscores Arsenal’s squad morale, with personal joys mirroring on-pitch success—no defeats in seven games (five wins, two draws). Yet, it risks taking deeper issues lightly like Bukayo Saka’s injury, which forced his early exit and raises rotation concerns amid a title chase.
Context
Arsenal, atop the table on 38 points, trail leaders Liverpool by three post-win but face scrutiny after recent draws. The “pregnancy wave”—Havertz’s wife Sophia, Jesus’s partner, and Ødegaard‘s—has fueled light-hearted banter. This amplification came by social media clips racking up millions of views. Arteta’s tenure blends tactical nous with personal bonds. But such moments remind of the Premier League‘s relentless spotlight on private lives.
What’s Next
Arteta’s squad eyes recovery ahead of a Boxing Day clash with Brighton & Hove Albion at the Emirates (December 26, 3 PM GMT). Seven changes loom to manage fatigue and Saka’s absence, with Viktor Gyökeres potentially leading the line. A win could extend their lead; a stumble invites rivals to dive. Expect Arteta to refocus on tactics, quipping aside.
As featured on GoonerNews.com