"Totally out of control" - Mikel Arteta's touchline behaviour called out after meltdown against Newcastle United

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been slammed for his touchline behaviour during Tuesday's 0-0 draw with Newcastle United.

The Gunners were held at home by a Newcastle side that did its best to frustrate the Premier League leaders for 90 minutes.

Late in the second half, Arsenal believed they should've been awarded a penalty after Granit Xhaka's cross hit Jacob Murphy on the arm.

Referee Andy Madley overlooked the incident, which caused Arteta to lose his cool on the touchline.

The Spaniard repeatedly jumped up in the air while flapping his arms around outside his technical area. He then kept patting his arm, telling Madley it was a handball.

He then approached the fourth official in protest, which saw Newcastle boss Eddie Howe confront Arteta.

Despite cutting a calm and collected figure during most games, Arteta is prone to letting his emotions get the better of him.

It's something beIN SPORTS presenter Richard Keys picked up on several years ago.

He's once again decided to criticise Arteta's conduct on social media. Keys tweeted: "Seriously - when is someone going to get control of Mikel Arteta? He’s an embarrassment. Totally out of control during games."

Fans on social media agree with Keys, claiming his actions deserve to be punished.

One person said: "This guy needs a touch line ban, he has been outline all year."

Another put: "This is cringe and won't help his players at all."

Someone tweeted: "Out of his technical area all game again. Premier League needs to get a grip of him."

While a fourth added: "This is what pressure does to a man. You love to see it."

Arsenal were hoping to extend their lead over Manchester City at the top by 10 points, but failed to score in a league game for the first time this season.

Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli headed their efforts just wide, while Eddie Nketiah had a glorious chance saved by Nick Pope.

First-choice striker Gabriel Jesus is currently out of action after picking up a knee injury on World Cup duty with Brazil. Arteta admitted at full-time he was happy with the performance against tough opposition, but pointed out his team's lack of cutting edge in the final third.

Arsenal return to action against Oxford United in the FA Cup on Monday January 9.

Featured Image Credit: Sky Sports

Topics: Arsenal, Newcastle United, Mikel Arteta

Daniel Marland

Daniel is a social editor for SPORTbible after moving from the writing team. Nearly scored past Stormzy at Old Trafford once.

@DanMarland_