Premier League cult hero Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink thinks Mikel Arteta is ‘lucky’ to still be Arsenal manager – despite the Spaniard closing in on the Gunners’ first league title in more than 20 years.
Arteta has been in charge of the club since 2019, but has won just the one FA Cup and two Community Shields as boss – three times coming close to winning the Premier League.
They are favourties to go all the way this season, currently leading Manchester City by nine points with Pep Guardiola’s side nine points behind them in the standings with eight games left to play.
Success would make the stint worth it for Arsenal and Arteta – but, according to former Chelsea forward Hasselbaink, the 44-year-old is fortunate he is even still in the role at the Emirates.
‘Arsenal are in a great position at the moment, but let’s not forget how long he’s been there, Hasselbaink said on Sky Sports before Arsenal’s game against Bournemouth. ‘He has won one FA Cup. For a club like Arsenal, is that enough?
‘Yes they are in a really good position, but let’s how a look how much he has spent in the last two years – a lot of money. He has got two good squads, the bench is really strong. Should they not be more ahead?’
A lot of attention has been on Arsenal’s style of play this season, with the club often adopting a physical approach and relying on set pieces for goals.
Though it has led to success and results, however, Hasselbaink isn’t convinced.
‘You look at the football – they are pragmatic,’ he continued. ‘They are solid they don’t give a lot away.
‘Yes, that’s how you win the league normally. Would I want to see more the Arsenal way? Yes. With a bit more flair. But that is me, a lover of football.
‘You don’t win leagues all the time like that. I think he has been very lucky to be this long at a club of that stature. They must have believed in him. That doesn’t happen a lot.’
Arsenal fans didn’t see the funny side of things in reply. One fan wrote on X: ‘I can see they are gearing up the narratives to use and water down the title win when it’s confirmed. I know this game.’
Another posted: ‘Harsh take. Mikel Arteta built Arsenal into title contenders. That’s not luck, that’s a project paying off.’
A third added: ‘He’s made Arsenal a lot of money by getting them into the Champions League and sustaining title challenges consistently. It goes both ways.’
