Mikel Arteta says he is focused on keeping his cool when he watches on from the Villa Park stands for Arsenal’s clash with Aston Villa.
The Arsenal boss has been given a touchline ban after receiving his third yellow card of the season against Luton Town.
Arteta received the yellow card for his celebrations following Declan Rice’s late winner against Luton but the Arsenal boss insists he is not worried about the emotion being taken out of the game completely.
“I don’t think that’s going to be the case but it’s an interesting discussion,” he said.
“It’s where we want the game to be and how we want the game to be lived with the protagonists on the pitch. The behaviour of players, the behaviour of coaches or managers and as well supporters.
“I think it’s a really good question for how we want to evolve the game and what we actually want for our product.”
Last season’s game at Villa Park saw a heated confrontation between staff of both sets of clubs in the stands following Emi Martinez’s injury-time own goal.
But Arteta says there is no ill feeling from Arsenal’s side and wants the game to pass without any incidents.
“I just want to focus on the game, these things happen,” he said.
“We all learn from them and let’s move on. Hopefully it’s going to be a great game.
“From our side, we have a lot of respect for what they are doing.
“I think I’m a bit calmer than before. I fully trust my players to deliver what they have to deliver to beat Villa.”
