Mikel Arteta is now repaying the trust placed in him by Arsenal chiefs after missing out on Champions League qualification last season.
The Gunners narrowly missed out on a top four spot at the expense of their rivals Tottenham last term after losing a crucial North London Derby and suffering defeat away to Newcastle, leading to heavy criticism of the Spaniard. Arsenal made the decision to stick with Arteta and trust in the ongoing project at the Emirates Stadium after facing difficulties throughout the 2021/22 season.
The Gunners boss has shown he does not want any players in his squad that do not buy in to his ideas and plan at the club, highlighted by the way he handled the Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang saga last season which resulted in the Gabonese striker joining Barcelona in the January transfer window.
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The decision to stick with Arteta has proved to be the correct one with the north London outfit now flying in all competitions, sitting top of the Premier League and their Europa League group after only losing one game in all competitions so far this season.
Ex-Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre has lauded Arteta for the work he continues to do at the Emirates Stadium, but has hinted that his former side will need to avoid major injuries to key players if they are to achieve success. Speaking to bettingexpert, Silvestre said: "It’s impressive. He’s rewarding the trust put in him.
"The players are fighting for him because they believe in what he is trying to do. It’s not perfect and it might be difficult at some point, given the lack of depth in the squad. They will need some luck to go through the season without major issues and losing players through injury."
Despite having Emile Smith Rowe sidelined, with the Hale End graduate now set to miss the remainder of 2022 after undergoing successful surgery to repair a long-term groin issue, the arrival of Fabio Vieira in the summer transfer window has eased worries in attack along with the outstanding form of Gabriel Martinelli. Silvestre continued: "If that’s the case, they could be in the title race for a long, long time, until the end.
"That is due the incredible striking force with Jesus, Martinelli, Saka, Odegaard, plus the midfield going forward sometimes, Xhaka. These guys are extremely dangerous and they play well together.
"They enjoy their football for Arteta. He put the team together with Edu who must be satisfied. It’s only at the end of the season that you get the proper reward if you are there."
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