Liverpool legend Graeme Souness has now urged Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta to change one aspect of his management style.
Mikel Arteta has done an extraordinary job since taking on the Arsenal job in December 2019.
It was the former midfielder’s first step into management, and the North London club were not in a good place when he took the helm. The Gunners had fallen away from Champions League qualification contention, and a toxic rift had grown between the club and the fanbase.
Things were not easy for Arteta in the early days. There were times when he came under significant pressure and his days in the job were thought to be numbered. However, the club stood by their man. Sporting director Edu has since explained why Arsenal never considered sacking Arteta.
The club have been rewarded for their faith in the ex-club captain. Arteta has made Arsenal genuine Premier League title contenders once again. They unexpectedly challenged for the crown last season, and have mounted another title tilt this time around.
The Gunners ensured that the Premier League title race will go down to the final game of the season this time around with their 1-0 win against Manchester United on Sunday.
With that victory at Old Trafford, Arteta made Arsenal history as he led the club to a 27th win in a single Premier League campaign for the very first time.
However, Manchester City remain in charge of the title race. The Gunners are reliant upon the reigning champions dropping points. As such, all eyes are now on Tottenham Hotspur, who will host Pep Guardiola’s men on Tuesday evening.
Graeme Souness calls for Mikel Arteta to change Arsenal approach
Regardless of how this season turns out in terms of the destiny of the title, Arsenal have mounted an impressive campaign, and Arteta has taken the club to another level again.
In order to repeat the trick next season, though, Graeme Souness believes one thing must change.
Speaking on talkSPORT (13/05/2024, 10:19), he said: “The manager weathered the early storm. I think he is still very much on a learning curve in his emotions…but he has to control his emotions better. I think that would just settle things down for Arsenal.”
Is Mikel Arteta already evolving into a more composed figure?
Arteta has come under fire for his touchline antics this season. He is an exuberant and energetic figure in the dug out, gesticulating throughout matches. However, Theo Walcott insists that Arteta has already calmed down in this regard.
As he continues to gain more experience, it is likely that Arteta will grow into an ever more relaxed presence at the side of the pitch.