Mikel Arteta's terrified run to stop Granit Xhaka from fighting is already 2023's funniest moment

Mikel Arteta sprinting to stop Granit Xhaka from getting involved in a fight at the end of Arsenal's 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur is hilarious.

Hugo Lloris' own goal and a long-range effort from Martin Odegaard were enough to seal victory for the Gunners on Sunday evening.

Arsenal are now eight points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League following a mature performance at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Things turned ugly as referee Craig Pawson blew the full-time whistle. After exchanging words with Spurs striker Richarlison, Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale appeared to be assaulted by a Spurs fan in the crowd.

It caused an almighty commotion between both sets of players, which resulted in both coaching staffs getting involved to calm things down.

Arteta naturally went to Ramsdale first, who was understandably frustrated with what went on. The Spaniard wanted all of his players to go to the other end of the pitch to celebrate with the away end.

He succeeded with most of his players. We say most because, well, it's Granit Xhaka we're talking about. The 30-year-old stormed past his manager in the opposite direction, ready to get involved in the action.

Arteta spotted the combative Xhaka, immediately letting go of Ramsdale and running after his star midfielder.

Arteta saw Xhaka running towards the home fans and had PTSD 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/BLEv7VVLDH

— Santi™ (@PeakSanti) January 15, 2023

Xhaka argued with officials and Spurs players before Arteta arrived. He then managed to get a grip of the Switzerland international, guiding him over to his Arsenal teammates.

Since arriving from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2016, Xhaka's been known to lose his cool easily. He's received a whopping 55 yellow cards and four red cards during his time in England.

In 2019, he was stripped of the captaincy after arguing with fans during a 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace.

He's since turned a corner under Arteta, becoming one of the best midfielders in the country this term.

Supporters have joked Arteta had flashbacks to the old Xhaka, who would fail to control his anger and put his team in jeopardy.

One person commented: "This moment killed me, nah I love this team."

A second put: "He didn't risk anything when it came to Xhaka loool."

Someone tweeted: "Every friendship group has an Arteta and a Xhaka."

While another added: "Pinpointing the exact moment Mikel Arteta realised that Granit Xhaka needed stopping."

Arsenal return to action against Manchester United in a huge clash at the Emirates Stadium next Sunday.