Spurs defeated Arsenal 2-0 on December 6, 2020, thanks to goals from Harry Kane and Heung Min Son. Surprisingly, after that game, Jose Mourinho was eager to defend Mikel Arteta against criticism, even though fans were calling for his dismissal because Arsenal were struggling to collect results at the time; they were sitting 15th in the PL log.
“I want to give a good word to Mikel because he gave us a very difficult game,” he told Sky Sports. “Tactically, they are very good. They gave us problems.
“I can imagine tomorrow the headlines will be about them not being in a good position in the table, but I believe with these players, with Mikel, Arsenal will be Arsenal again.”
🗣 "Sometimes you don't do what you want to do because your opponent forces you in a certain direction. With Mikel Arsenal will be Arsenal again"
Jose Mourinho explains why Tottenham couldn't play the way they wanted to pic.twitter.com/QXPiP4sYy2
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) December 6, 2020
Years later, the Portuguese tactical genius was proven right.
Mikel Arteta has rebuilt Arsenal into serious title contenders since 2020–21, when he finished eighth. He has the Gunners playing in the Champions League with the best of the best.
If there was one thing that Arsenal’s decision-makers got right, it was trusting Mikel Arteta and not firing him, even though it at times felt like the right decision to make.
Arsenal has only lost once in 15 league games this season. They’ve also only lost once in the Champions League in five group games. This should not be taken lightly. The Gunners may be on the edge of something special this season, and they are fortunate to have Mikel Arteta as their coach.
The Spaniard has resurrected Arsenal as a team capable of not just playing “beautiful football” but also achieving positive results. Arsenal is Arsenal once again!
Darren N
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Arteta has been doing a remarkable job. But I was disappointed with his inability to prevent Bailey from running rampant on our left wing, despite having watched Aston Villa vs Man City game
I think you will find that MA hung his boots up a few seasons ago GAI!!
He could’ve come up with a better plan to stop Bailey Ken, since the winger did similar thing a few days ago
Mourinho is defo a great manager love him or hate him
He needs to win trophies been given all the tools needs to get Arsenal over the line I rate Arteta highly but at the end of the day he has to deliver how much longer Arsenal give him not sure but he has to win a major trophy very soon!
Real recognise real if not the more superior REAL.
@Vamos
😂
Just wait until a certain fan see this.
Honestly speaking, I was a little nervous during those days.
On the eve of the last NDL derby, Conte highlighted Arsenal progress under the gaffer, he spoke of the time andpatience every club should show when looking to rebuild under a new management
Honestly speaking the gaffer would not have made it this far, never mind second of the premier league, without the time and patience the Kroenke showed through the turbulent winter waters of 2020 in particular.
In Retrospect phase five is right on track, even the gaffer harshest critics will admit he’s doing well