Roy Keane has omitted Mikel Arteta from his 'top three' Premier League managers list despite Arsenal's extraordinary start to the new season.
The Gunners sit top of the table after nine games having won eight of those encounters. Whilst many expect second-placed Manchester City to go onto win the title, as things stand, the Gunners look like the Cityzens' biggest challengers.
Arteta has had to endure his fair share of criticism over the past couple of seasons but he's finally united the entire Arsenal fan base. The Emirates Stadium has been bouncing like never before and the team have relished that new atmosphere.
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Their latest win came on Sunday as they beat Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool 3-2 to earn a well deserved three points. Reflecting on that game, Keane admitted that the Gunners could be title challengers this season if they continue their form. But even though he's admitted that Arsenal could win the Premier League, he doesn't think that Arteta is one of the top three managers in the top division.
In fact, he surprisingly rates Brentford's Thomas Frank ahead of the Spaniard. He's also included Chelsea's Graham Potter above Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.
When asked the question of who the 'top three' managers are in the Premier League on Monday Night Football, Keane said: "Managers I like, I have always had time for Pep [Guardiola]. I know people say he has only worked for the best clubs and the best players, but he still has to manage them and find a style of play and keep them performing. I like Thomas Frank.
"I like the way he comes across, I met him in the Championship a couple of years ago and really liked him. And I like Graham Potter at Chelsea. His teams play, the way he comes across to the media, I am glad he has got the chance to work at a big club like Chelsea. He has settled in really well and those are the three for me."
Keane's Sky Sports partner Jamie Carragher had a different opinion on the matter, though, as he included the 'big two' in Klopp and Guardiola as well as Arteta: "Obviously I would say Klopp and Pep. I think it will be a really sad day when they both leave the Premier League.
"I would also say Mikel Arteta, not only because they are top of the league but for the fact that, I like managers that are brave. That might be unpopular but I like a manager who makes tough decisions, like what he did with Aubameyang. He has had a bit of criticism, a young manager in his first job but the way that they play and I think he can take it to the next level."
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