sport news Mikel Arteta's technical area stat, the former Gunners cult hero 'running for ... trends now
The sporting world has embraced April Fool's Day with a series of pranks, with some more believable than others.
Players, clubs and even statistics companies have got in the act ahead of the midday deadline.
Opta opted for their traditional approach to delivering statistics for their prank, with the stats gurus joking about Mikel Arteta's presence on the touchline.
The Arsenal boss has been criticised in recent seasons by some pundits with his touchline antics, with the Spaniard receiving several yellow cards from match officials.
'8.4% - Mikel Arteta has spent a higher percentage of time outside his technical area than any other coach in the Big 5 Leagues this season. Walkabout,' Opta posted.
Stats gurus Opta offered a joke statistic about Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta's touchline antics
Former Gunners star Lukas Podolski claimed that he will stand to become mayor of Zabrze
While several fans were quick to spot the April Fools stat, some missed out on the ruse by accusing the stats company of an 'agenda' against the Arsenal boss.
Other Arsenal fans saw the funny side, praising the title chasing manager for 'dominating' the touchline as his club pushes for Premier League glory.
A former Gunners icon was among those to get into the April Fools spirit, with Lukas Podolski offering a fake retirement announcement to launch a political career.
The 38-year-old, who now plays for Polish side Gornik Zabrze, claimed he would hang up his boots at the end of the season.
Podolski, an FA Cup winner with Arsenal, appeared to be making a serious announcement but replies questioned his claim after the former German international declared he would stand in the Mayoral election
'After the end of the current season, I am ending my football career,' he wrote.
'I want to focus on politics and the development of Zabrze. Decision of the Supervisory Board of
