Emmanuel Petit has stated that ‘big clubs never die’ and he thinks things are ‘changing’ for the better at Arsenal under Mikel Arteta, as he told Stadium Astro.
The Arsenal legend added he believes in the young generation in north London, including Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Emile Smith Rowe, but urged them to ‘stay at the club’.
These past few years have been pretty bumpy for the Gunners, no more so for Arteta.
On many occasions last season, and even after the three opening defeats this term, he could have got the sack and some will say he was lucky he didn’t.
Instead, the powers that be stuck by their young manager and their young squad and, as a result, are now thriving from it, which is something Petit loves.
“Things have been changing recently,” said Petit. “I am very happy with the new players coming, for at least six months.
“The team is becoming competitive now. If you look at the game they play against Manchester City, they should have won it. But they lost it. It was so frustrating for the players and the fans. They were the best team on the pitch.
“I remember a year ago, they were destroyed by Manchester City, so the difference is not huge anymore – that’s why I believe things are getting normal step by step.
“Big clubs never die. I believe in the young generation at Arsenal, with Saka, Martinelli and Smith Rowe. Those kind of players. They are the future of the club. But they need to stay at the club.”
The main aim for Arsenal is to secure that all-important Champions League place, which will then showcase the club’s real sign of progress.
From Arsenal’s style of play, improvement of young players or defensive structure, there is no doubt that Arteta has taken the club up a notch.
But, fans want to see the results out on the pitch and securing a top-four finish in May is the main aim.
In truth, from the teams that Arsenal have been competing with for that final Champions League spot, they have been the better side and deserve that all-important ticket.
However, the final few months of the season, if it goes slightly wrong, can become very, very cruel indeed.
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