Jody Morris has defended Mikel Arteta and stated that the Arsenal manager has to be given ‘credit’ if he gets Champions League football.
The ex-Chelsea coach stated that, even if Arsenal don’t get top four, then it’s ‘not a massive fall from grace’, as he told the Kick-Off on Twitch.
The Gunners were dealt a body blow in midweek when they were beaten at Tottenham in the north London derby.
That opened up the race for Champions League football once more, with Spurs in action against Burnley on Sunday afternoon – the Gunners face Newcastle United on Monday night.
It looks like the race for the top four will go to the last day, although, it is still in Arsenal’s hands, as Morris defended Arteta.
“If he gets top four then you have to give him credit,” said Morris. “I don’t think it’s a massive fall from grace if he doesn’t. They are then just being Arsenal.
“Do you not look at what Arteta has done with him (Aubameyang) and think that’s for the benefit of the team? Aubameyang wasn’t scoring goals.
“Arteta won the FA Cup and he’s in fourth.”
ARSENAL AND TOTTENHAM CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RACE AT A KNIFE EDGE
It’s going to be interesting to see the reaction from, both Arsenal and Tottenham supporters, if either of their managers fails to qualify for the top four.
With Antonio Conte, he will still be backed by his fans, it’s just a case of some will fear him possibly heading for the exit door if he doesn’t get his wish in the summer.
But, it will be a different vibe towards Arteta because he has been in the job for a number of years now.
Arsenal did take a number of big steps backwards last season – pushing out of Europe – whilst they have taken steps forward now, it’s a case of whether those steps are enough or positive enough?
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