Mikel Arteta has been praised for his “fearless” movement decisions via Ray Parlor, who warned that former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger stood too firm with players.
This comes after the Gunners opted to let academy graduate Emile Smith Rowe go to Fulham. The playmaker failed to identify with Arteta and was allowed to seek out new pastures, and his playing time is expected to be limited in the future.
Arsenal gained a big lead under Smith Rowe with Arteta’s decision to capitalise on comparisons to his former mentor, Pep Guardiola, who showed a willingness to remove players who were part of his plans at Manchester City.
Parlor cited the difference between this and parts of the Wenger era, with the Frenchman opting to stick with players he knew rather than propose, potentially for the best part of the team.
The former gunner told The Sun: “Arteta is ruthless. He learned that from Pep. If you don’t do your job, you’re out. It can be argued that in my time Arsène Wenger was too unwavering and looked for continuity with the same players, but Arteta is not afraid.
“Managers live with decisions and he hasn’t made many bad ones. I doubted he would abandon Aaron Ramsdale for David Raya, but no one talks about that now. Fair play to him for having the courage to leave other people aside and sell them.
Smith Rowe could charge Fulham more than £30m, which will also put Arsenal on the transfer market as they continue to search for newcomers. Arteta appreciates Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino with his latest move that looks like a win for everyone involved.
“This agreement is for either party,” Parlor said. “Fulham are getting a wonderful player and Smith Rowe has a good chance to leave Arteta bad. If you put your head down, you stay fit, work hard and get back in shape. “As he showed at Arsenal, he may return to the England national team. “
Arteta, since arriving in the Emirates, has been ruthless in his preference to evolve the team while transforming the club once again into Premier League name contenders. He has fired a host of wonderful players that Wenger has signed in his later years, such as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.
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