It’s been less than a year since Mikel Arteta was appointed as Arsenal’s head coach, but the rookie has already proven himself a fantastic addition.
Arteta was named as Unai Emery’s successor at the Emirates Stadium last December.
And by virtue of the fact that his first half-a-season in management ended with an FA Cup title, along with scalps over Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United, you could easily argue that the 38-year-old is enjoying his time in the dugout in North London.
Arsenal poached him from City, where he had worked alongside Pep Guardiola for a number of years, and it seems that the apprentice has seriously impressed the master.
Arteta’s side visit the Etihad again this evening as Arteta chases a first Premier League victory over his old boss.
And here’s what Guardiola had to say, telling a pre-match press conference: “He was able to get Arsenal back in the position they were a while ago. They are a team like Mikel, a competitor and a fighter.
“We are more than happy with what he is doing in London.”
It must be said that even if Arteta wasn’t doing very well, Guardiola would’ve still raved about the former Arsenal midfielder.
But Arteta’s early achievements in football management speak for themselves and Guardiola will know that City are going to have to play very, very well to defeat an Arsenal side that, quite simply, have looked reborn since the day their former captain returned to London Colney.
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