It has been nearly five years since Mikel Arteta took to the Arsenal hotseat, and what a ride it has been so far!
All those years of work, trying to build the club up again, changing a host of players and making ruthless calls, could now result in the team winning the Premier League title in May.
Arsenal are sitting top of the pile with club football now paused for international duties, with that daunting and mouthwatering tie against Manchester City first up when everyone returns.
Cesc Fabregas has watched Mikel Arteta work his magic from afar and appreciated his work.
The legendary midfielder was asked what is his fellow countryman’s ‘greatest strength’ and he proceeded to note how he managed to wipe away the ‘toxicity’ that was at the club and showcase ‘bravery’ in bringing his ideas, and his ideas only, to the table and making them work.
It was pointed out by Cesc Fabregas that the Arsenal boss continues to do one thing in his press conferences and that’s always talking about ‘intentions, character, running and standards’, as he told Planet Football.
From the team that finished eighth in back-to-back seasons to one that is now playing some of the best football in the country, sitting top of the table and in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
It has been some journey and turnaround, with the hope that it will now all be rewarded with English football’s biggest prize.
Arsenal’s toxicity before Mikel Arteta
On what is Arteta’s greatest strength as a manager: “I think it’s quite simple,” said Fabregas. “Arsenal was merged into a big mess. I think there were too many people talking. There was a lot of toxicity within the club. It doesn’t necessarily need to be in the club, but around the club.
“He just came in. He had an idea. He had his methodology, his style of play and he put it all together. He had the bravery, even though he is a young coach, to put it all together and to say ‘right, this is the standard, this is what I want to do’
“I think he keeps repeating those words. If I am not mistaken, in press conferences, he talks about intentions, he talks about character, about running, about standards and this is what he put. Hard work in people. Young people that really want to play for the badge, want to play for the club, want to make the club grow and this is what he changed, the mentality. He took away all the toxicity at the club – and he has done really well.”
Arsenal’s trip to Manchester City
This is the big one. This is where Arsenal can stamp their authority and showcase to the world that they are serious about winning the Premier League title.
Winning in the backyard of the Treble winners would just make the whole club believe even more that they can get over the line.
In truth, even a point suits Arsenal here, but all three would be something else.
As of this moment, everyone is fit, which is a big positive, so added with that, and the two wins over Manchester City this season – Community Shield and Premier League – then Arsenal have all the momentum and confidence they need.
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