Mikel Arteta has slowly but surely made an impact at Arsenal over his tenure. While the team’s performances were lack-luster in the earlier seasons, drastic changes were made which led Arsenal close to the coveted Premier League title in the previous two seasons, a trophy which they have not won since the past two decades.
The 24/25 season is looking bright for the Gunners, as they are set to be favorites to win the league with the help of new signings like Riccardo Calafiori and David Raya, but stiff competition from Arteta’s ‘mentor’ awaits them yet again. Pep Guardiola will want to create new history with Manchester City, as they look to become the first side to win the Premier League on five consecutive occasions.
The Spaniard’s mindset and approach has been liked by many, with most recently Arsenal legend Ray Parlour appreciating the ‘tenacity’ of the 42-year-old, and that things were different during his time at the club.
Raymond Parlour’s thoughts over Mikel Arteta’s management
Football pundit and former Arsenal player Ray Parlour shared his view over the Spaniard’s coaching ideology. He was part of the famous Arsenal ‘Invincibles’ squad, and notices key differences between Mikel Arteta and the legendary Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger.
“Arteta is ruthless. He has learned that from Pep. If you’re not doing your job, you’re out. It could be argued that in my time, Arsene Wenger was too loyal and wanted continuity with the same players — but Arteta is fearless. Managers live by decisions and he hasn’t made many bad ones. I doubted him for dropping Aaron Ramsdale for David Raya but now no one talks about it. Fair play to him for having the balls to leave people out and sell them,” said the 51-year-old (via The Sun).
He also mentioned that Wenger was not able to make tough decisions, unlike Mikel Arteta, who recently had to make a call on whether or not to axe Emile Smith Rowe from his boyhood club, which he ultimately did.
Mikel Arteta is on his way of becoming one of the best managers in Europe, but the trophy cabinet says otherwise. Arsenal under Arsene Wenger were one of the most dangerous and successful clubs in history, having won multiple titles. The Spaniard has won only two FA Cups and a Community Shield over the past five years, and the hope to earn a major silverware title continues this season. The young manager will soon need to embrace all the praises and turn them into titles to be considered as one of the greats in his era.
