Mikel Arteta leaves journalists in fits of laughter as he joins in on viral 6-7 meme

Mikel Arteta sent reporters at his press conference into hysterics as he got involved in the viral ‘6-7’ meme.

The Arsenal boss showed he’s keeping up-to-date with all the trends both on and off the football pitch ahead of his side’s clash with Sunderland on Saturday.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, Arteta was being quizzed by reporter Gary Cotterill with ten quickfire questions.

Cotterill counted down from ten to one, with Arteta pipping him to question six – sparking raucous laughter from the journalists in attendance.

Shouting out the viral meme, Arteta said: “Number six! 6-7, 6-7.”

The ‘6-7’ meme has taken over a large majority of the internet, as well as classrooms across the country, with many children shouting the two numbers out loud.

The phrase originated from a rap song called ‘Doot Doot (6 7)’, which was featured on popular video edits of basketball players – including LaMelo Ball, who is specifically 6ft 7in tall.

In March 2025, a boy on social media named Maverick Trevillian became known as the ‘6-7 kid’ after he yelled the phrase at a basketball game, while moving his hands up and down.

Arteta was then quick to explain his knowledge of the meme, explaining: “It’s what my kids show me, 6-7.”

The ex-Everton midfielder interrupted the line of questioning with the joke before he could be asked to give fitness updates on Jurrien Timber and Martin Odegaard.

Skipper Martin Odegaard was a notable omission from the Gunners’ 1-0 Carabao Cup semi-final second leg win over Chelsea on Tuesday night.

Meanwhile Timber, who started against the Blues, was not present at training on Thursday.

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In positive news for Gooners, Arteta remarked: “Martin again is getting better, it will be a matter of days we believe. Jurrien is fine. He’s good for the weekend.”

Arteta also answered other questions as things became a little more serious.

He was asked about Liam Rosenior’s comments about his side’s ‘lack of respect’ during the League Cup semi-final.

In response, he said: “I don’t know, it’s his opinion and we respect everybody. At any point, if one of the staff members did that, we apologise. It’s very common in football.”

Arsenal go into Saturday’s clash against the Black Cats knowing they can go nine points clear at the top of the table, with Manchester City to face Liverpool at Anfield 24 hours later.

Commenting on the opportunity, Arteta stated: “As always, we’ve tried to prepare every weekend.

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“Every opponent is different and bring very difficult challenges and we need to face them and we’ve been doing that for a lot of months now.

“And that’s the thing that we have to continue to do and play with our hunger and commitment every single game. Because if we do that, we have a big chance to win our games.”