Paul Merson has debunked the controversial claims from Gary Neville that Mikel Arteta will feel his ‘job is done’ at Arsenal if they secure fourth spot in the Premier League table.
The former Manchester United defender made those claims on the Overlap, but Merson thinks Arteta is ‘building a team’ with this young squad in north London, as he told Soccer Saturday on Sky Sports (02/04/22 at 1:35 pm).
Arsenal are leading the charge for fourth spot, with their games in hand being crucial, as they play Crystal Palace on Monday night.
The club have come a long way from not reaching Europe at all last season, which could have seen Arteta handed his P45.
But whilst it’s now suggested that Arteta could pack his bags, when things are going well, it’s something Merson didn’t agree with when Sky Presenter, Jeff Stelling, raised that point with him.
Stelling asked: “Gary Neville said this week ‘if Mikel Arteta gets to fourth, then he will probably say right, that’s the best I can do here. I am going now and getting my next job’. Do you agree, Merse?”
“No not really, “ said Merson. “Not with the younger team he’s building. I think he’s building a team here.
“If the team was 30+years-olds, then I would think ‘you need to jump here. You have done your job. Get out’.
“This team will only get better and better. They will go again in the summer and buy younger players again. Buy a centre-forward.
On Arsenal competing with Liverpool/Man City: “I don’t know yet. They are a young enough team. I think there is a cycle. I think in a couple of years time, Klopp and Pep won’t be here when you hear that they might be leaving. Be patient.”
Whilst this young and ever-progressing Arsenal side has recovered and showcased its worth from those opening three defeats, they will face a different test altogether during these final few months.
This isn’t about looking pretty on the eye, but sticking out your chest and grinding out the results.
It’s about getting out every tool in your armoury and making use of it any which way possible.
That’s what the Premier League’s youngest squad will have to do because they are in a top-four battle with Tottenham, Manchester United and West Ham.
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