Edu and the Arsenal board still believe they have the right man in charge in Mikel Arteta, despite the north London club’s poor start to the season, according to The Athletic.
The Gunners host Norwich at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday still chasing their first win of the Premier League campaign. Brentford stunned Arsenal on the opening day claiming a 2-0 victory on their return to the top-flight after 74-years away.
Chelsea then overcame a timid Gunners side, before Manchester City laid Arteta’s men to the sword in a 5-0 demolition. Even if expectations were limited in north London ahead of both fixtures, the scale of the defeats left a sour taste of the sheer gap between the clubs.
Arteta also travelled to his former employers Manchester City under pressure for his job at Arsenal. The Telegraph reported the Spaniard had five games – now four – to show why he has a future at the Emirates, or enter the October international break fighting for his job.
Yet The Athletic now claim the Arsenal hierarchy, including Technical Director Edu, still feel Arteta is the right man. The manager still has to show he can be part of the club’s solution than a front for a long-term vision. But will, seemingly, be given time to turn things around.
Manchester City, too, still hold Arteta in high-regard from his time spent as Pep Guardiola’s number two at the Etihad. Instead, the Citizens believe Arsenal’s problems – and those the Spanish coach has endured – reflect far more on the Gunners than the one in the hot seat.
Guardiola voiced Man City praise of Arteta after Arsenal clash
Guardiola voiced the Sky Blues’ confidence in Arteta’s ability as a coach after Manchester City’s win over Arsenal last month. He told BT Sport following the game:
“I work two or three years together [with Arteta], and I learned many things. He’s above and beyond a good manager. The character, personality, the leading. He’s incredibly beloved from all of us, we were sad when he left.
“Sometimes people expect results immediately. The squad he played today isn’t the team he dreamed because they had seven or eight injuries. Really important players.”
Arteta will have to show his acumen as a good manager over Arsenal’s run prior to the next international break. The Spaniard, and Gunners, can ill-afford to drop points against either Norwich, Burnley, Tottenham Hotspur or Brighton & Hove Albion.
Failing to take results over that run of fixtures will be likely to make those in the Arsenal hierarchy who still believe in Arteta begin to question the Spaniard, if they are not already. Even if rival teams like Manchester City believe the problems at the Emirates Stadium are more club than manager related. A bleak view from a club the Gunners used to challenge.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
