Stan Collymore has been writing a column for the Mirror, where he made a big claim about Mikel Arteta and Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira.
What’s the story?
Well, the 51-year-old believes Arsenal should sack Arteta and hire Vieira as his replacement, regardless of where the Gunners finish in the Premier League this season.
Collymore argues that the Frenchman would get more out of Arsenal’s youngsters, such as Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Martinelli.
He also believes that the trio could go on to become Premier League legends under Vieira, suggesting they wouldn’t do the same under Arteta.
However, Collymore thinks Vieira is only deserving of the job if he can guide Crystal Palace to a top-half finish this season.
With the south Londoners currently sat tenth in the Premier League, there’s no reason why he can’t do just that.
Arsenal shouldn’t replace Arteta with Vieira
In our view, Collymore’s argument doesn’t make much sense.
For a start, he claims Crystal Palace have never finished in the top half of the Premier League in his opening paragraph, something the Eagles achieved under Alan Pardew in 2015.
Secondly – and most importantly – we’re not quite sure why Collymore feels the need to sack Arteta when things are just starting to brighten up for Arsenal.
The Gunners look well placed to qualify for the Champions League this season, and the three youngsters he name-dropped have actually been Arsenal’s best players.
Therefore, we’re not sure why he feels Vieira – who has suffered 94 defeats as a manager – is needed to get the best from them, as Arteta is already doing that.
Hopefully, the Spaniard is able to keep his job, and continue his fine work at the Emirates Stadium.
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