Rio Ferdinand has urged Arsenal to stick by Mikel Arteta and added that he does ‘trust the process’ the club is going down with the Spanish coach, as he told Vibe with Five.
The former Manchester United defender added that he feels Arsenal are ‘100%’ in a better position now than they were at the same time last season.
Whilst the Gunners spent big last summer, the season started off in a disastrous fashion with three opening defeats, including a thumping at Manchester City.
But now there seems to be a different feel at the Emirates, with pre-season ending with a 6-0 win against Sevilla, as Crystal Palace now await their London rivals on Friday Night Football.
There are some that are still to be convinced by what Arteta is doing at the club, but others are happy to remain patient because they think he is taking them down the right road, as Ferdinand was asked about the former midfielder.
“I like Arsenal,” said Ferdinand. “Yes (Arteta has a process and Arsenal fans should trust it). I just think he has been very, very definitive in what he is doing.
“Aubameyang, the superstar, big-money signing and the man who has the biggest contract at the club. He wasn’t happy with a couple of things and made a big decision, get out and you’re not for me.
“If he is able to do that with your biggest talent, at the time, and is on the biggest money, then you have to stick by him and trust the process.
“Now, they have opened the cheque book, brought more players in Jesus, etc… have come in now and you have to trust what he is doing.
“Do they look to be in a better position now than they were at the start of last season? 100%, so why shuffle the pack?!”
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Arteta will have two hits at securing Champions League football, and in truth, for the fans, winning the Europa League might just be the best way to do it.
As things stand, the north London club have spent the most this summer, just like they did last time out, but there is only so much they can throw at players.
Arsenal have to take the next step, or else big questions are going to be asked of Arteta and the £105k-a-week manager (Sportspayouts) might find himself heading for the exit door next May.
This isn’t about wholesale changes needing to be made this season, it needs to be remembered they missed out on the top-four last term by a small margin, not 10+ points.
Therefore, not much should change, other than subtle changes, added quality and ensuring when the time comes, the players don’t crumble under pressure.
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