From Arsenal.com
Morning guys.
It’s now official, Mikel Arteta is staying put for a few more years having signed a new long term contract. As suggested before when rumours of his new contract were rife, I’m sure the majority of Arsenal fans will be happy but it’s inevitable others might not be. If the persons whose name is on the managers office door is doing all which is asked of him by his bosses, who that person is matters not. Managers come and go, players come and go too but The Arsenal will always live on. Off the back of a first Premier League trophy, Mikel was always going to stay in my opinion and now that Man City are in all sorts of trouble, in theory, his and the teams path towards further success, should be less complicated, domestically at least. Other clubs are going through mixed times because of squad overhauls, new managers or in certain circumstances, both.
Arsenal however, are settled, the manager has his message drummed into the players, all by now knowing what he expects of them. Even so, they can still deliver a shocker as seen the weekend before this long and boring international break which is finally over. Thank goodness!
The performance against Brighton was freak I think because so many players had a really bad day on the same day. Learn from it, move on and never repeat it. Starting on Saturday lunchtime against Leeds Utd.
Talking to Arsenal.com, co-chairs Stan and Josh Kroenke said:
It has been an incredible journey so far and we are excited for what lies ahead in this special relationship. Last season was an incredible moment in Arsenal’s history, a moment in which we created memories that will last a lifetime. We’re determined to create many more in the years ahead.
We share a special bond with Mikel. We are so proud of everything we have achieved since he returned to the club in 2019. He has a deep understanding of Arsenal’s values and carries them in his heart. He knows what this club means to everyone connected to it and is committed to building on everything we have achieved together.
CEO Richard Garlick added:
This is an important time in Arsenal Football Club’s history. We want to create a winning era together with Mikel. We will continue to work hard together as we aim to fulfil our long-term ambitions for the club and our supporters. Mikel has the belief, determination and the understanding of what it takes to build something remarkable and enduring here, and we are excited to continue that journey together.
Let’s be honest, unless Arteta chooses to seek pastures new or results/performances go downhill rapidly and consistently, his job is probably as safe as houses. One of his toughest jobs over the next few weeks is going to be managing the squad, especially as his seemingly first choice frontman Kai Havertz is expected to be ruled out for a while and Christos Tzolis is also set to miss a few games having suffered injury. Jurrien Timber is hardly fully fit and healthy and Ezri Konsa returned early from international football too. Thankfully, Ben White, Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera are back in training although what shape they are truly in is unknown until Mikel Arteta holds his pre match press conference. I also read that Max Dowman has suffered an injury which would be pretty grim if true as surely now, he might be given more minutes. I guess it’ll be a toss up between Noni Madueke or Ebe Eze on the left, neither of whom fill me with confidence.
As for Mikel, well he’s thrilled to be staying:
It’s a privilege to commit my future to the club and to continue to work with exceptional people who want the best for Arsenal. This club is unique, its character and the way it makes you feel, and I have a great sense of privilege that our journey together will continue.
We have already built a special bond and created memories that will last a lifetime, and what is so exciting is that this is only the beginning of what we can achieve together. I’m extremely grateful to Stan and Josh for their trust and support, and feel honoured to be leading this club through such a special period in its 140-year history.
This is such a proud moment for me and my family. I feel the love and respect from our fantastic supporters, and they have mine – and ours – in return.
Mikel has managed 361 matches in all competitions, with a win percentage of 62.05%, the best of any full-time manager in our history.
Lastly, rumour has it that a new deal for Declan Rice is soon to be announced.. Excellent news.
Catch up in the comments.