Arteta channels inner extravagance with over-the-top reaction to fourth official

Mikel Arteta was seen channelling his inner extravagance with his over-the-top reaction to the fourth official during Arsenal's win over Chelsea.

The Gunners picked up a crucial three points in the race for Champions League qualification on Wednesday night, beating their London rivals 4-2 at Stamford Bridge. However, it was not plain sailing for Arsenal, as they were twice pegged back during the first half, much to the frustration of Arteta.

Arteta's emotions appeared to get the better of him on the stroke of half-time as he was spotted in a heated discussion on the touchline with fourth official Andy Madley.

The Spaniard was visibly angered by a particular decision as he spoke to Madley, before turning away with his arms folded and strutting with his bottom lip out.

Arteta walked back over to the official to continue his protests as they spoke again, but as Madley began explaining something to the Arsenal boss he appeared disinterested in hearing it.

Luckily for Arteta, he had reason to cheer come the full-time whistle, as second half goals from Eddie Nketiah and Bukayo Saka sealed victory for Arsenal.

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Nketiah had given the visitors the lead in the first half before Timo Werner levelled shortly afterwards for Chelsea. The same happened again as Cesar Azpilicueta cancelled out Emile Smith Rowe's goal to send the sides in level at the break.

Arsenal's lead was restored shortly before the hour mark, though, with Nketiah grabbing his second before Saka added a fourth from the penalty spot in stoppage time after Azpilicueta had pulled him to the floor inside the area.

That win pulls Arsenal level on points with fourth placed Tottenham Hotspur with six matches remaining of the season, one of which is against their north London rivals on May 12.

Victory over Chelsea also ended a run of three successive league defeats which had caused Arteta to admit he was ready to absorb any criticism aimed at Arsenal in order to protect his young players.

Defeats to Crystal Palace, Brighton & Hove Albion and Southampton had left the Gunners on the brink of losing four league matches in a row for the first time since 1995.

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