Paul Merson: Mikel Arteta ‘Deserves More Respect’ After Arsenal Success | OneFootball

Paul Merson Lauds Mikel Arteta’s Impact at Arsenal

Arteta’s Quick Success Draws Praise

Paul Merson has recently highlighted Mikel Arteta’s significant achievements with Arsenal, noting the manager’s rapid accumulation of 100 Premier League victories. Merson points out that Arteta reached this milestone quicker than Arsenal’s legendary manager Arsène Wenger by ten games, placing him in esteemed company alongside other football greats.

Historical Comparison and Respect

In a discussion on Sky Sports Premier League, Merson expressed admiration for Arteta’s performance, comparing his speed of success to that of managerial icons like Alex Ferguson and Jürgen Klopp. “Wow, that’s respect. You know, you take it, you think oh he got a chance he did. You know they stayed with him, they were patient,” Merson remarked, appreciating Arsenal’s patience with Arteta during his tenure.

Arteta’s Unique Challenges

Despite the accolades, Merson recognizes the challenges Arteta faces, particularly in a league dominated by heavyweight teams. He uses an analogy to underline the difficulty of competing against top-tier teams like Manchester City, “It’s a bit like that; you just bang unlucky. You got to accept that you were the second best at the time.”

Arsenal’s Future and Recruitment Questions

Looking forward, Merson questions how Arsenal can continue improving under Arteta’s leadership. He draws parallels with Tottenham’s past situation, where enhancing an already strong squad proved challenging. “The problem with Arsenal they got as well that they’ve got is next season to improve this team, how do you improve it?” Merson discusses the difficulties in attracting players to a successful but not yet dominant team.

Man City as a Benchmark

Merson also comments on Manchester City’s ongoing success and hunger, a critical benchmark for Arsenal. He notes the importance of constant rejuvenation in the squad to maintain competitiveness: “They always bring in that hunger didn’t they, like they bring in [players] who’s hungry, you know, [like] Jack Grealish, hungry.”

Arsenal’s Striker Conundrum

Finally, addressing Arsenal’s tactical needs, Merson touches on the potential impact of adding a new striker to the team’s roster to compete more effectively. “I do like [the current striker] but I think they do need that pace up front, you know, that real electric pace,” he suggests, highlighting a key area for potential enhancement to bridge the competitive gap with teams like City.

Paul Merson’s discussion underscores not only the respect Mikel Arteta has earned through his achievements but also the challenges and expectations that continue to shape his tenure at Arsenal. As Arsenal navigates these challenges, the insights from seasoned analysts like Merson provide a valuable perspective on the evolving landscape of Premier League football.