Ian Wright predicted just how well Mikel Arteta would do at Arsenal six years ago before his appointment.
The Gunners were looking for a new manager in May 2018 with club legend Arsene Wenger set to leave the club that summer.
While Unai Emery was appointed that summer, Wright had his own idea about who should take the job when discussing the contenders.
Speaking on Match Of The Day, Wright said: “I quite like the feel of Mikel Arteta.”
Responding to Gary Lineker’s comment about his lack of experience, Wright said: “I’d take a chance. We took a chance on (Arsene) Wenger.
“He’s someone who knows the club, he’s been under Pep for a couple of years and seen what he’s been doing.
“Some of those players need a bit of a kick up the backside and he might be the man to do it.”
Emery lasted 18 months as Arsenal boss before Wright got his wish with Arteta being named as the club’s new head coach in December 2019.
Since then, the Spaniard has certainly led Arsenal back to the top of the game.
As well as winning an FA Cup and two Community Shields, the Gunners have reached the Champions League quarter-finals and the Europa League semi-finals.
They’ve also improved year on year on the Premier League with two eighth-place finishes followed by a fifth-place finish in 2022.
Arteta then came close to the title last season when they finished second in the Premier League – a standing that they’ll be hoping to improve on by securing the crown one and for all this time around.
News Summary:
- Resurfaced clip shows Ian Wright making Mikel Arteta pitch six years ago – and Arsenal legend was spot on
- Check all news and articles from the latest Football updates.