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Former Liverpool goalkeeper David James has boldly claimed that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta needs to win silverware with the Gunners before he can be considered an elite coach. His comments come ahead of the north London club's crunch Premier League clash against Manchester City.
Arteta will be hoping for his side to pick up a favorable result against City at the Eithad as they aim to mount a title challenge for the third consecutive season. Arsenal have been the closest team to rival Pep Guardiola's Manchester City side over the last two terms.
Head coach Arteta has deservedly earned a lot of praise for his rebuild at the Emirates and how he has transformed Arsenal into realistic title contenders since taking charge in 2019.
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However, former Liverpool and City goalkeeper James believes that despite the tremendous amount of work Arteta has put in at Arsenal, he still can't be regarded as an elite manager until he wins a trophy with the Gunners.
While speaking to Safestcassiono, as quoted by Football365, James said:
“100%. Mikel Arteta needs to turn the potential and the promise into silverware to be considered one of the best managers in Europe.
“It is strange because when Arteta first went in there, I was probably raving about him more then than I would do with any other manager, and people need to remember that, despite winning the FA Cup in his first season, it was a bumpy ride.”
He added:
“It was a massive rebuild job that Arsenal needed, and he’s seen that through to the extent where they are now Premier League title-chasers. He deserves credit for that.
“The next step is taking that final jump and winning the title. That is the only way that the Gunners can improve in the Premier League.”
Arteta has so far won the FA Cup and two Community Shield trophies with the Gunners.
David James gives his thoughts on Arsenal's chances of winning the Premier League this season
Having come close to winning the PL in the last two seasons, the north London giants will want to go all the way this term.
Mikel Arteta's men have kicked off their 2024-25 Premier League season on a bright note and are currently second on the table with 10 points from their opening four games, two points adrift of league leaders Manchester City.
Despite the decent start to the season, City goalkeeper James is of the opinion that the Gunners still don't have what it takes to win the league. He told Safestcassiono:
“Do Arsenal have what it takes to win the title? I still have my doubts. I still think they’re a little bit too emotional at times. I think that could be an issue that rears its head during the season.”
He concluded:
“A lot of my Gunners supporting friends have been saying “this is the year”. Football doesn’t work like that; you have to take your opportunities when there’s a chance. Arsenal haven’t done that in the last two years.”
Arteta's men will face Manchester City on Sunday, September 22, at the Etihad Stadium in a top-of-the-table clash. A win for the Gunners would take them to the top of the league.
