Pundit names three Arsenal stars who Arteta did well to get ‘rid of’
Darren Bent has lauded the work Mikel Arteta has done at Arsenal and he has picked out three players who he was wise to move on.
The Gunners currently sit top of the Premier League table and have won their last five league matches.
After brushing aside Fulham at the weekend, Arteta’s side managed to maintain their five-point lead over Manchester City at the top.
Bent has been impressed with the work Arteta has done this year as he believes every big decision he has made so far has paid off.
“I don’t think he’s the best in the world, but what he’s doing this season with Arsenal is extraordinary,” the pundit told talkSPORT.
“When you look at the start of last season when they were rock bottom after three games, everyone, including Piers Morgan by the way, were saying: ‘he’s not the right man, he doesn’t believe in this project, what project, how can he leave Aubameyang out, a proven goalscorer, it’s a sackable offence if Arsenal don’t get top-four and Aubameyang doesn’t play.’
“All that was being said. But then you fast forward to this season. Clearly, every decision he has had to make up until this point has been the right one.
“Whether that be getting rid of Ozil when he did, getting rid of Aubameyang, Guendouzi, people forget about Guendouzi, his little shenanigans that were going on. He’s had to deal with all of that.
“He’s had to put his trust and his faith in some of these younger players, even £50 million for Ben White, people were like: ‘what?’
“All of a sudden, what a signing that looks like. The job he’s done at Arsenal has been phenomenal. And if he was to win the Premier League with Arsenal this season, that puts him right up there with some of the best in the world.”
Indeed, the big calls that Arteta has made over the years have more than paid off this season as he now ranks as one of the best managers in the league.
Arsenal now boasts the youngest squad in the Premier League and everyone has bought into Arteta’s philosophy.
This season they have averaged 2.44 points per game and are currently projected to finish the season with 93 points.
Next up for Arsenal is a Europa League clash against Sporting, before they return to Premier League action against Crystal Palace.
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