Arsenal hero Paul Merson has showered Mikel Arteta with immense praise, stating that he wouldn't be surprised to see the board back the Spaniard again even if he doesn't secure a top-four finish come to the end of the season.
The Gunners have started the new season with a bang, securing maximum points in their first five Premier League encounters, with their latest victory coming against Aston Villa on Wednesday night, in what was a 2-1 victory.
Gabriel Jesus opened the scoring and the Brazilian has certainly started life in north London in some style, notching three goals and three assists in five appearances at this time of writing.
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Both Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko have offered both serious quality and a winning mentality to the current Arsenal side, with Merson praising Arteta's ability in demanding discipline and how the former Gunners captain is able to attract 'world-class' talent.
“Big credit to Arteta. Like Erik ten Hag at United, the Spaniard is very strong on discipline. I’m a fan of that. Every successful team needs discipline – on and off the field," he said in his weekly Daily Star column.
“Both managers are doing it their way and that’s the only way – because if they stop following their beliefs, they’ll regret it when it does go wrong.
“That’s why even if the top four – which must be the aim for Arsenal – proves just beyond them, I’d expect the board to go with Arteta again. After all, which other manager could attract the quality of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko to North London…without Champions League football.
“It’s incredible he got that world-class pair to sign for us – and what a difference they’re making.”
Arteta will hope that his side can continue their fine form on Sunday as his side take on Manchester United at Old Trafford in what looks set to be a high-octane Premier League encounter.
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