Arteta given sack verdict as ex-Arsenal team-mate admits surprise he became boss

Mikel Arteta has been Arsenal boss for nearly six years, but his former Everton team-mate Joleon Lescott never thought the Spaniard would become a head coach, and reckons his job is safe

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s ex-Everton team-mate Joleon Lescott never thought he would become a head coach. The 43-year-old is now in his sixth full season as Gunners boss.

Having started his coaching career under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, Arteta made the jump in December 2019 when the ex-Arsenal captain was appointed as manager in north London. Despite taking over halfway through the campaign, he guided his side to the FA Cup in 2020.

Although that cup win is Arteta’s sole piece of silverware during his time in charge at the Emirates, he has turned Arsenal from top-four hopefuls to Premier League title hopefuls. After a busy summer, they look primed to mount yet another assault on the top-flight crown. However, Lescott, who played over 100 times alongside Arteta for Everton, never envisaged he’d thrive in such a role.

Speaking on In The Mixer, brought to you by Sky Bet, Lescott said: “I didn’t think he was going to be a manager. I definitely knew Mikel knew the game. He was very astute and knowledgeable. But I didn’t see it.

“When I first went to Everton, he was kind of like the left winger, then he went to play in midfield as a six, and he went to Arsenal in that role.

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“But the way he played there, then I was like, ‘Oh, you are maybe way more of an intelligent footballer than I appreciated.’ I just thought he was intelligent and technically very good.”

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Yet, playing second fiddle behind both City and Liverpool in recent years, without winning any trophies, has seen some pressure mount upon Arteta.

After being heavily backed in the summer, with the likes of Eberechi Eze, Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi all signed to bolster an already impressive squad, many believe that time is running out for Arteta to land either a league title or European trophy.

But Lescott does not agree, and thinks even if the Gunners fail in their bid for a prestigious piece of silverware this season, the 43-year-old’s job is more than safe.

“He’s not going to be sacked, is he? He is not going to be sacked. If they only win the FA Cup or League Cup, they’re not sacking Mikel Arteta,” said Lescott.

“Other teams are progressing as well. It’s not like everyone is staying the same. Liverpool just spent ridiculous amounts of money after winning the league! Forget the money, this is the best team and squad Arsenal have ever had, but it is also the best team the likes of Liverpool have ever had too.”

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