Arsenal defender Sokratis has played down a furious training ground clash with West Ham striker Marko Arnautovic.

At Werder Bremen, the centre-back ended up brawling with team-mate Arnautovic, following a ­training-ground spat.

“As for Marko, we had a fight – it ­finished. A lot of things go on in training ­because, when the team isn't good or you have a bad day, it can happen. Marko is a good player, a friend of mine. It's over," said the Greek.

Sokratis was also asked about his fist pumps when winning a tackle.

He added: “Look, my work is to defend and to do everything to help the team. If this means sometimes I have to take a yellow card or do ­something that is not so good for me, but good for the team, then I will do it.

“I hope that Arsenal fans love and understand that football is not only a lot of good things they like to see, ­but technical things and strategy – you have to do a lot of different things to win."