Arsenal's Mikel Arteta Confused by Black Eye Question, Offers Reporter a Hug Instead

MIKEL ARTETA had to explain that he didn’t have a BLACK EYE in an unusual press conference interaction.

Arteta, 43, jokingly hugged a reporter who had mistaken some dodgy lighting for a shiner on the Gunners gaffer’s face.

Mikel Arteta had to clarify that he didn’t have a black eye during his post-match press conference on SundayCredit: @HaytersTV/X

edged closer to the title with a on Sunday, but it was Arteta who was the centre of attention in his post-match press conference.

When chatting with reporters he was asked: “Sorry, it might be the lighting but it looks like you’ve got a black eye.”

Arteta checked that he hadn’t clocked an accidental blow to the face before explaining that he was, indeed, okay.

The concerned reporter clarified that he was just checking that the Arsenal manager wasn’t hurt, sparking a funny response from Arteta.

The Spaniard said: “Thank you so much, I’m going to give you a hug now!

“Thank you for checking on me, very good.”

Arteta continued his gag after his media duties had wrapped up, too – embracing the journalist who had checked on him and saying thank you once again.

Arsenal re-established their five-point lead at the top of the Premier League with their win over Chelsea, but it wasn’t easy for the North Londoners.

Arteta hugged the concerned reporter at the end of his press conferenceCredit: @HaytersTV/X

The Gunners needed two corners to get their goals, while goalkeeper made some spectacular late stops to deny Chelsea an equaliser.

Even when Chelsea winger Pedro Neto was shown a red card in the 70th minute, Arsenal struggled to keep the visitors at bay and were saved by the offside flag when had the ball in the back of the net in added time.

The anxious ending to proceedings has had some Arsenal fans panicking about what is to come, and

He told Premier League productions: “Chelsea, once they went down to 10 men, they started to play. It was worrying.

“Arsenal showing those nerves, those jittery nerves at the latter stages of games, they need to take the opportunities earlier on so they can relax at this stage.

“They have to just win now, especially the home games. It’s not going to be something that instills you with loads of confidence but it’s a win.”

“We are seeing in the second half of games, you can get at Arsenal.

“Chelsea had ten men there, it would be nice to find out what’s happening to Arsenal in the second half.

“It comes down to ‘you get the job done’ and I’m happy the job is done, but I’m going to be nervous for the next game because I’m seeing that again in the second half.”