There have been a lot of changes at Arsenal since 'Arteta out!' calls were last seriously heard at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners boss had found himself under severe pressure on a number occasions since replacing Unai Emery in 2019 but now seems to be on the straight and narrow in north London.
Arsenal find themselves top of the Premier League table after winning 12 of their 14 games this season. Last weekend's victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers concluded a near-perfect start to the campaign for the Gunners, with them sat five points clear of reigning champions Manchester City following their surprise 2-1 home defeat to Brentford.
Since the start of 2022, the Gunners boss has won the Premier League Manager of the Month more than any other manager and has received plenty of plaudits from respected names in the game. Now, with the club reaping the rewards from their patience with Arteta, former Gunners man Santi Cazorla has insisted his former teammate is the 'best option'.
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"It's normal they needed time, because after (Arsene) Wenger it's a little bit difficult to try to keep the success," he told the Daily Mail. "But I think Mikel is the best option for Arsenal: he knows the club, he loves this club and he knows the mentality."
Arsenal's form has been massively helped by the summer arrivals of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus from Arteta's former side Manchester City. The Brazilian forward has scored five goals and assisted a further seven this season but has faced severe criticism for his lack of goals for the club.
Despite his drought in front of goal, Jesus' performances have continued at a high level and his presence in Arteta's front three has reflected in the perfect way on Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. The trio have contributed to 30 of Arsenal's 42 goals this season and have all played starring roles in the north-Londoners' rise to the top of the league.
However, Cazorla has heaped praise on the versatile forward for his performances since moving to the capital. "I love Gabriel Jesus," the 37-year-old said. "I liked this player when he was at Manchester City but I think he's made one step forward because he feels now that he's very important for the team."
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