Tennis legend Andy Murray has humorously touted Piers Morgan to take over as manager at Arsenal. The Gunners beat league leaders Liverpool 3-1 at the Emirates on Sunday, reigniting their title hopes as they cut the gap to their opponents to two points.
And Morgan, a vociferous long-term supporter of the north London club, was among the 53,000-plus crowd as goals from Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Leandro Trossard prompted emphatic post-match celebrations from the home players. But the TalkTV presenter still found time to be critical during the game, lamenting Mikel Arteta’s decision to take off Martinelli for Trossard.
Writing on social media, Morgan said: “Why on earth would Arteta take off the best player on the pitch, Martinelli, and keep on the worst player, Havertz? Ridiculous.” The move was arguably vindicated though, with the Belgian forward firing a low shot through the legs of Liverpool keeper Allison in injury time.
And Murray, a supporter of both Arsenal and Scottish side Hibernian, replied with a dig. “God if only @Arsenal would do the right thing and hire you as manager,” he said.
But it wasn’t just the Scot who Morgan had an online exchange with. He also took aim at Jamie Carragher after the Sky Sports pundit criticised Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard for his elaborate behaviour at the final whistle, with the Norwegian grabbing a camera and taking on-field photos.
“Calm down, calm down, @Carra23 – we battered you, and we’re going to enjoy every second,” said the 58-year-old. The former Liverpool defender hit back with “I nearly walked out the studio!” in reference to Morgan’s behaviour the day he left ITV show Good Morning Britain.
Morgan wasn’t rattled though, quipping “Your pain only adds to the joy,” with a laughing emoji. And his delight was evident in another post, uploading a picture of him and son Spencer beaming in the stands.
“What a game.. what a performance.. what a win… brilliant stuff Arsenal,” he said. He later posted a snap of him posing with Saka, as well as a video of the players and crowd celebrating Trossard’s late strike.
Whether Morgan and co get their wish of a first league title since 2003/04 remains to be seen. Yesterday’s result opens the door for Manchester City, who can draw level on points with Arsenal – and still have a game in hand – if they beat Brentford on Monday night.
