Date published: Monday 21st September 2020 2:57
Gary Neville has suggested that Mikel Arteta is “punching above his weight” as Arsenal boss.
Arteta took over as the new Arsenal manager in December 2019, taking over from Unai Emery. The Spaniard joined from Manchester City, signing a deal until 2023.
The difference in Arsenal since he took over has been remarkable. During his time as manager, the Gunners have already beaten Man City, Man Utd and Chelsea.
Winners & Losers: Premier League winners and losers
Arteta took over with his side in tenth place in the Premier League, but they finished eighth at the end of the season.
The new boss also led Arsenal to FA Cup glory, beating Chelsea 2-1 in the final to win the trophy for the fourteenth time.
Neville said on his podcast that he has been really impressed by the job done by Arteta:
“I think Mikel Arteta is punching above his weight,” said Neville on his podcast. “He is going above and beyond the players he has. The shape and the organisation, things we have criticised Arsenal for in the past, is good.
“They are not finishing in the top four like Arsene Wenger used to get criticised for but they look like a team which is more cohesive. It has continued from the end of last season and he is doing a great job.
“I just think Mikel Arteta would love that £150 million that Frank Lampard has got this summer.”
Arsenal have made an unbeaten start to their 2019/20 Premier League campaign. They beat Fulham 3-0 in their opening game, before winning 2-1 against their London rivals West Ham.
This means that since taking over, Arsenal have averaged two-points per game in the top flight. Arteta’s win percentage as Gunners boss stands at over 60% during his nine months in charge so far.
Arsenal travel to face Leicester City in the Carabao Cup third round on Wednesday, before they play Liverpool at Anfield on Monday.