The Spaniard bizarrely attacked the Norwegian winger's face after overreacting to a series of tackles from the Rovers wideman. The 28-year-old, who was making his first start since a groin injury, feels he was the victim of a number of needless over-the-top challenges from Pedersen. Arteta has missed a large slice of football over the past 12 months and says the prospect of another long-term injury fuelled the fire in his belly. However, he realises he was lucky not to have been punished for his indiscretion and has now apologised to Pedersen for his overreaction. "I probably shouldn't have reacted like I did but there have been a few times - not just this time - when he has made bad tackles," explained Arteta. "I don't mind it when they're fair or tough, I accept it with no problem. But with him it's different and he knows that. I told him. "But I made a mistake. I shouldn't have reacted and I apologise for it. I probably got more upset because I was out for so long and don't want a stupid challenge injuring me again. "I wasn't even touching the ball. He just trod on my ankle. It was stupid. If he did it because he wanted me to react then he got what he wanted, which I shouldn't have done and I'm sorry."
