Mikel Arteta [Will Palmer/SPP]

AFTER the giant-killing of giant-killings, Mikel Arteta can expect to field more questions on his reaction to Max Dowman being sent off in Arsenal’s shock Carabao Cup exit to Fleetwood Town on Tuesday night.

Dowman was shown a straight red for kicking out at Harrison Neal after the Fleetwood defender’s strong challenge on the teenager. The Gunners are going to appeal against Dowman’s dismissal.

But what many were left talking about was Arteta’s reaction as the 16-year-old headed towards the tunnel. The Gunners boss leaned in and said something – and while it’s not clear what that was, it has sparked critism on how he handled the situation.

After seeing Arsenal lose on penalties, Arteta refused to go into detail, saying, “it was something that we discussed before the game.” But the Spaniard can expect more questions on the issue when he faces the media again ahead of Sunday’s trip to Liverpool.