Pundit issues ‘massive’ Arteta claim after ‘amazing’ Arsenal reveal
Noel Whelan has claimed Mikel Arteta will be given more time as Arsenal manager because of the rebuilding in progress at Arsenal currently.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the “jigsaw is coming together” at the Emirates after initial struggles this season.
As per Transfermarkt, Arsenal have fielded the league’s youngest squad in the Premier League this term – with an average age of 24.1.
After sitting bottom of the league after three matches, Arteta has transformed the Gunners’ fortunes.
The north London club are unbeaten in six top-flight games.
Standout performers have included academy products Bukayo Saka, 20, and Emile Smith Rowe, 21.
Whelan insisted the signs are promising for Arsenal, but warned of more work ahead before the Gunners are on par with Liverpool or Chelsea.
“Arteta will definitely have more leeway than someone like Ole Gunnar Solskjaer when it comes to job security,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“They’ve not gone out and spent the money that Manchester United have over the years.
“They have an amazing blend of youth and experienced players who have been at the club for a long time.
“These youngsters have come through from the academy system and know the club inside out – Saka and Smith-Rowe, for example, and that is massively important.
“I think now you’re seeing the jigsaw coming together and they are getting the performances and results they needed.
“Arteta will say there’s still a lot of work to do. They still aren’t near the Liverpool’s or Chelsea’s of the league.
“You can see the progression and the building process.“
Arsenal sit tenth in the Premier League after nine games.
Next, they face Leicester at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.
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