{"id":538558,"date":"2019-12-20T09:16:16","date_gmt":"2019-12-20T14:16:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonfootball.com\/?p=538558"},"modified":"2019-12-20T09:16:16","modified_gmt":"2019-12-20T14:16:16","slug":"arsenal-are-playing-with-fire-by-appointing-mikel-arteta","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2019\/12\/20\/arsenal-are-playing-with-fire-by-appointing-mikel-arteta\/","title":{"rendered":"Arsenal Are Playing with Fire by Appointing Mikel Arteta"},"content":{"rendered":"

Arsenal<\/a> are following up their dismal of Unai Emery by appointing fellow Spaniard Mikel Arteta, poaching him from under the noses of Manchester City<\/a>. However, it is a risky move appointing the inexperienced 37-year-old, with tensions at The Emirates already at an acrimonious level.<\/p>\n

Arsenal Are Playing With Fire By Appointing Mikel Arteta<\/h2>\n

Working Under Pep Guardiola Counts For Nothing, Arteta Has No Managerial Experience<\/h3>\n

Expectations are high for Mikel Arteta. His three years of working under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City are a factor in the Gunners’ appointment.<\/p>\n

However, those years now mean very little as he embarks on his role as manager. He now holds all the power, he now has to grasp the respect of the squad – the eyes are well and truly on him.<\/p>\n

Arteta is walking into a potential poisoned chalice. His predecessor, caretaker Freddie Ljunberg, has won just one of his five games in temporary charge. The Swede is in a similar realm to Arteta: a former player, highly-regarded as a coach, yet has no managerial experience. As a result, there is a definite cause for concern as he arrives through the doors at Arsenal.<\/p>\n

The Spaniard’s first job is one that many experienced managers may find tough to do. He has to galvanise the squad, reinstall self-belief and confidence within the squad. It is something that both his temporary and permanent predecessors have failed to do. With such a divided dressing room, it is a momentous task.<\/p>\n

Mikel Arteta Has Earned The Job Through Being A Former Arsenal Player<\/h3>\n

The Gunners had the option of Carlo Ancelotti, a manger with vast experience and knowledge of the Premier League. They had the option to opt for Max Allegri, the former Juventus manager looking for a return to management. They even had the choice, although very unlikely, of Mauricio Pochettino, who is looking for a swift return to management.<\/p>\n

Seemingly, though, their two main contenders for the job were both former players. While Mikel Arteta is now the Arsenal manager, the Daily Express reported<\/a> that Patrick Vieira was also in contention for the role.<\/p>\n

It clearly appears that one of the credentials for the job was somebody who had a previous link to the club. A strange credential, considering the disarray that Arsenal are currently in. Perhaps it is a move to try and win over the fans, but if it goes wrong, it could prove catastrophic.<\/p>\n

A New Era At The Emirates<\/h3>\n

Nonetheless, in the midst of agonising caution and excited optimism, it is a new era at Arsenal. The last managerial appointment for the Gunners who had previous links to the club was George Graham, and they endured a number of successful years under his watchful eye.<\/p>\n

Arsenal are certainly playing with fire with the appointment of Mikel Arteta. However, they are hoping that the second successor to Arsene Wenger remains longer than the first.<\/p>\n

Main Photo<\/p>\n

  Embed from Getty Images<\/a>