Mikel Arteta says Arsenal did not mean to cross the line before Chelsea clash

Mikel Arteta has offered an apology to Liam Rosenior following the Chelsea manager’s claim that Arsenal showed his side a “lack of respect”.

A furious Rosenior was captured on TV in the warm-up at the Emirates prior to Chelsea’s Carabao Cup defeat on Tuesday telling a member of Arteta’s backroom staff to stay in their own half.

Rosenior explained, at a press conference on Thursday: “I asked them, maybe not politely, to make sure they stay in their half.

“I’m not here to have mind games, it’s just what I think is right and respectful. There’s certain etiquette in football. In that moment I didn’t think that respect was shown to my team.”

However, responding to Rosenior’s comments, Arteta said: “I don’t know if (he is over-reacting). It is his opinion.

“Obviously, we respect everybody, and at any point, if one of the staff members went through that (the Chelsea half), then we apologise and that is it.

“It is very common in football, especially with the goalkeepers because they have to kick long balls.

“Sometimes it is difficult to (keep yourself in check) because you cannot be aware about everything.

“We are human beings and we react to things, and that is normal to try and set the right example, and if that is the right intention then that is OK.”

Arteta was clearly tentative about engaging with Rosenior’s remarks, and at one stage closed down a question as to whether he would amend his side’s warm-up methods.

Later, pressed on whether he believes rival clubs are not trying to unsettle his table-topping side, he said: “I don’t know. I have no idea. I don’t think that was intentional at all.

“I will engage with the things that I think are relative for my team and what is the best for the team and for the club, that’s for sure.”

Arteta’s side could extend their lead over Manchester City to nine points if they beat Sunderland at home on Saturday.

Pep Guardiola’s side play a day later when they face Liverpool at Anfield.

Following Saturday’s match, there will be 39 points remaining across the final 13 rounds. And when asked at what stage he will start to believe that Arsenal will end their 22-year wait for a league title, Arteta replied: “Before the pre-season had started. And you start to prepare everything with the intention to be where we are, and make sure the players are very convinced that we are going to achieve it.”

Martin Odegaard (muscular injury) and Bukayo Saka (hip) missed the win over Chelsea and face a race against time to be fit to face Sunderland. However, Jurrien Timber is available despite missing training on Thursday.