Journalist Paul Brown has admitted that he always had reservations about Arsenal hiring Mikel Arteta as their manager.
What did Brown say about Arteta?
The former Premier League midfielder was appointed Arsenal boss back in December 2019, despite having never managed at senior level before.
Brown has stated that his lack of experience was always going to be an issue, and has claimed that a number of people behind the scenes have put their reputations on the line by showing faith in Arteta.
He told GIVEMESPORT: “I always had my worries when they appointed him. It felt like, in a way they chose a safe option, because he’s a former player who knows the club, friendly with the hierarchy, speaks their language, literally in some cases. But on the other hand, it was a risk in that he was a rookie manager.
“A very well-respected coach, clearly highly talented but never done that kind of job before, never been the man in the firing line in the hotseat. So, there were always some worries, some concerns there.
“It started quite well and I think he’s earned a bit of time because he won a trophy, and you can see he’s trying to build something. I think the key thing to remember for Arteta and Arsenal really is a lot of the people above him kind of staked their reputations on him when they brought him in.”
What could force the club to sack him?
Pressure has been growing on Arteta after Arsenal lost their opening three league games of the season without scoring a goal. This run of defeats included a 5-0 drubbing at the hands of Manchester City.
The Spanish coach did lead his side to their first Premier League victory last Saturday when they edged past Norwich 1-0 at the Emirates. This may have given him some breathing space for now, but the first north London derby is coming up at the end of the month.
An embarrassing home defeat to their bitter rivals could leave Arsenal's board with no option but to relieve Arteta of his duties.
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What is Arteta's overall record at Arsenal?
Things started well for Arteta in his first managerial role as he won the FA Cup and the Community Shield within his first nine months in charge. He also guided Arsenal to the Europa League semi-finals in his first full season at the helm.
However, it has been the club's league form which has been the main concern. Arsenal have finished eighth in their last two top-flight campaigns, and the way they have started this season suggests that they could slip even further down the table this time around.
Overall, Arteta has won 49 of his 91 Arsenal matches, giving him a win percentage of 54%.