Wayne Rooney labels Arsenal as one of Europe's finest after MLS All-Star thrashing
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Arsenal’s chances of winning the Premier League title this season are looking brighter than ever, but Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has warned that manager Mikel Arteta could face the sack at the end of the campaign.
Arteta’s side currently sits at the top of the table with a seven-point lead over defending champions Liverpool, who are enduring a four-match losing streak.
Arsenal’s impressive run has been built on their rock-solid defence, conceding just three goals in nine matches and Arteta’s growing tactical maturity.
However, Rooney believes pressure is mounting on the Spaniard to finally deliver the title, saying:
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“The squad is good enough now, and I think they’ve had the experiences which have got them close, but I think they’re ready for it. If they don’t win it now, you’d probably see a change of manager.”
Rooney’s remarks echo concerns raised by Spanish outlet Fichajes, which reports that the Arsenal board is beginning to question Arteta’s long-term project after an investment exceeding £1 billion and no major trophies since 2021.
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The report adds that patience may be wearing thin and that Arteta must produce results or face serious scrutiny over his future.
Despite criticism that Arsenal rely too heavily on set-pieces, former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha defended the Gunners, saying: “They are brilliant. They sit top of the league, and they deserve to be there.”
Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta. (photo credit: Getty Images)
Former Arsenal winger Theo Walcott also praised the current team’s balance and confidence, adding: “Arsenal can do a bit of everything now. The whole team has a fear factor.”
Since taking charge, Arteta has transformed Arsenal from a top-six side into genuine title contenders. With the Gunners now seven points clear, this season could represent their best opportunity in two decades to end their Premier League title drought. As Rooney summed it up,
“They’re ready for it.”
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