Arsenal latest news: Gunners took "risk" with "rookie" appointment - "always some worries" | OneFootball

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·21 September 2021

Arsenal latest news: Gunners took "risk" with "rookie" appointment - "always some worries"

Article image:Arsenal latest news: Gunners took "risk" with "rookie" appointment - "always some worries"

Arsenal took the "safe option" by appointing Mikel Arteta and question marks still remain over his capabilities in the hotseat, according to journalist Paul Brown.

How has Arteta performed as the Gunners' head coach?

The Gunners were on the lookout for a new boss having sacked Unai Emery after just 18 months in the job close to two years ago.


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Arsenal opted to appoint Arteta, handing the Spaniard a three-and-a-half-year deal as he sealed his return to the Emirates Stadium after making 150 appearances during his playing career.

Arteta's arrival came after beginning his coaching career on Pep Guardiola's backroom staff at Manchester City.

His reign got off to a promising start, with Arteta guiding the north London club to FA Cup glory just a matter of months after replacing Emery in the dugout.

However, the Gunners have failed to build on that success and, having finished eighth in the Premier League standings last term, they are without European football for the first time since 1995.

Arsenal also made the worst start to a season in their 118-year history after suffering a defeat to London rivals Chelsea last month.

However, they have bounced back in recent weeks by registering back-to-back 1-0 wins over Norwich City and Burnley.

Article image:Arsenal latest news: Gunners took "risk" with "rookie" appointment - "always some worries"

What has Paul Brown said about Arteta?

Brown is not surprised that Arsenal have struggled to progress under Arteta.

He told GMS: "I always had my worries when they appointed him.

"It felt like, in a way, they chose a safe option because he is a former player who knows the club, is friendly with the hierarchy and speaks their language literally in some cases.

Arsenal youngster Folarin Balogun is Arteta out! Find out more on The Football Terrace

"But, on the other hand, it was a risk in that he was a rookie manager.

"He is a very well respected coach, clearly highly talented, but never done that kind of job before and never been the man in the firing line by being in the hotseat.

"There were always some worries and concerns but it started quite well. I think he's earned a bit of time because he won a trophy and you can see he's trying to build something."

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Article image:Arsenal latest news: Gunners took "risk" with "rookie" appointment - "always some worries"

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Have Arsenal contemplated showing Arteta the door?

Former Chelsea and Inter Milan head coach Antonio Conte has been linked with replacing Arteta in recent weeks.

It comes after Conte left Inter by mutual consent having led the club to the Serie A title last season.

failed to agree terms with the club.

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