Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal reign has been a rollercoaster so far, with calls for him to be sacked despite the Spaniard winning silverware for the Gunners.
While he’s had his critics, Arteta has been impressive in the managerial hotseat after leaving mentor Pep Guardiola. Having already tasted success in the form of an FA Cup triumph, he is also second on the list for wins in the first 100 games in charge of Arsenal (54), only two behind George Graham, who has the most.
Do you think Arteta deserves praise for Arsenal's recent form?Yes
No
|
The Spaniard also has his eyes set on returning Champions League football to the Emirates Stadium, with his side in a good position to do just that at the moment. They sit sixth in the league and two points off fourth-placed Manchester United. So qualification for the elite competition in club football is certainly doable this year.
Talking on The Football Terrace’s The Done Deal Show, Jones spoke about where the manager stands at the moment amid claims Arteta is set for a new deal in north London.
Delivering his take on those claims, Jones said: “From what I’ve heard before now, it would fit in with what I’ve heard, because they see Arteta as the future of the club right now.
“I think back to probably two times he’s been under severe pressure in his time there so far, and both times, they were like they won’t twist here – they’ll stick with him unless it becomes impossible to because they’re part of a project now and he’s completely sold his vision to the board, they understand what he’s aiming for, they knew it was going to take a while to settle.
“I can fully believe that Arteta would be given an improved contract.”
TIF Thoughts on Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal future…
It looks like stability in management will be incredibly valuable at the moment, with the Gunners looking like going under a transitional period on the pitch, as the futures of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette hang in the balance.
|
|
Having that steady constant of a manager who is clearly up to the task will make that transition so much easier on the pitch, and Arsenal fans will surely be hoping it will take them back to where they once were.
Although missing out on the Champions League once again could well see fans calling for a change of manager, just qualifying for Europe could be seen as a step forward, and a new contract for Arteta may suggest the board has faith in the club’s long-term future rather than a desperate desire for instant success.
In other news: Jonathan David to Arsenal update