Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been slammed by Dermot Gallagher following his antics on the sideline during their victory on the weekend.

What did Mikel Arteta do?

The Gunners were able to snatch all three points on Saturday in the early kick-off away to Aston Villa after two late goals sealed the 4-2 victory.

This win saw them return to the top of the Premier League table after a turbulent run of games which saw them arrive at Villa Park without a win in their last four in all competitions.

However, the Arsenal boss was spotted on the sidelines mocking the referee, Simon Hooper, as he signalled for a substitution to be made.

And speaking on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch, Gallagher has condemned the Spaniard’s actions claiming he could have been carded for his actions:

“If the fourth official had felt it was untoward he’d draw it to the referee’s attention and probably a yellow card but it’s not a good advert so we don’t want to see that.”

Why wasn’t Arteta booked for this?

This is not the first time the Arsenal manager has been thrown into the limelight for his actions on the side of the pitch this season.

Indeed, last month Arteta was slammed for his actions in their victory against Manchester United for his over-the-top behaviour during the game.

“I was here a couple of weeks ago for the Newcastle game and he was at it all game, Mikel Arteta, which is fair enough, but on occasions where it wasn’t called for,” said Gary Neville.

“He charged about 15 yards down the touchline and that was what he was shown a yellow card for.”

There is certainly an argument to be made suggesting the Spaniard’s recent actions are purely out of his passion on the sidelines for his side to take home all three points.

However, in this case, it does seem as if he has been slightly petulant with his mocking of the referee perhaps uncalled for.

And as Gallagher suggested, had the fourth official, John Brooks, spotted Arteta doing that then maybe he would have been shown another yellow card.

Although Arsenal fans may not be too bothered when their side sitting top of the table and showing signs of getting back to their best form.

But the manager is beginning to build a bit of a reputation for himself on the sidelines which may make him more susceptible to being shown a yellow card in the future.