Although things are now looking very rosy under Mikel Arteta’s stewardship at Arsenal, that wasn’t always the case after the Spaniard was first appointed in 2019.
Arsenal were in a mess after Unai Emery left the club, the relationship between the two simply hadn’t worked out.
Arteta arrived at Arsenal with no managerial experience to his name, but he already had the conviction of someone with a clear plan.
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Arsenal finished eighth in the 2019/20 season, then eighth again the following year – Arteta was making very slow progress.
However, Arteta had a clear vision and the club ultimately had the patience to allow him to craft an Arsenal project completely in his own image.
That being said, when first-placed Tottenham Hotspur beat 15th-placed Arsenal 2-0 back in December 2020, that good-will was well and truly tested.
Jose Mourinho spotted potential in Mikel Arteta when very few others did
With a team that included the likes of Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Arsenal were well beaten in the north London derby.
And yet when speaking after the game, Jose Mourinho, who was managing Spurs at time, seemingly saw a bright future for Arsenal under Arteta.
Mourinho labelled his rival manager as ‘very good’ and appeared to spot all the potential brewing over at the Emirates Stadium.
Mourinho said: “It’s very very good (Spurs’ win) against a team that probably is going to be criticised because of the points and position on the table are not good.
“But I have to say – very good team, very good coach, the team with different ways to play, a team that is able to change during the game, a team that is able to build with four or five, with the centre-backs with the midfield dropping, a team with a lot of work.
Arsenal insider
