Arsenal legend Martin Keown insisted that he would not swap Mikel Arteta for new Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte, while speaking to talkSPORT (5 November, 11:00am).
The Emirates faithful have seen their fair share of false dawns in recent times, so nobody will be getting carried away just yet.
But it must be said that, after a disastrous start to the season which saw Arsenal lose their first three Premier League games by an aggregate score of 10-0, the dark clouds have parted; a ray of light piercing through the black.
An impressive 2-0 win away from home at Leicester City last time out means the in-form Gunners are unbeaten in their last nine games in all competitions; a run that includes a cup victory over Leeds United and a dismantling of Tottenham in the North London derby.
Now, Spurs will be expecting to enjoy a revival of their own after appointing one of the planet’s most prodigious managers – Antonio Conte – as Nuno Espirito Santo’s replacement earlier this week.
Will Tottenham finish ahead of Arsenal in the Premier League table?
Winning nine trophies throughout his coaching career, including five league titles, Conte boasts a CV that would rival anyone in the European game.
Not that Keown would trade in Arsenal’s rookie boss for the steely-gazed drill sergeant that is Conte.
“That’s a nasty question!” Keown said when asked to choose between Arteta and Conte.
“One has won everything, one’s just starting out. I’m sticking with Arteta.
“We lost our first three games (this season), I stuck with him and look at him now! We beat Leicester last weekend and now we are just outside the top four.”
Should Arsenal beat Watford at home this weekend – and should West Ham and Manchester United drop points against Liverpool and City – Arteta’s rejuvenated side could be in the Champions League places by Sunday night.
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