By Akinwale Kasali
Mike Arteta is set to take over the saddle as the new coach of North London Club Side, Arsenal Football Club of England.
The choice of Arteta to take over the affairs of the team has been in the offing since Arsene Wenger bidded the Club goodbye at the end of the 2017/2018 season. Wenger was the Club’s Coach for 20 years.
Arteta has been an understudy to Manchester City Football Club Manager, Pep Guardiola since 2015, when the fellow Spaniard joined the Manchester Club. Arteta was his Assistant.
The Gunners, as Arsenal Football Club is refer to, has been dilly-dallying in the league this season, failing to win any competitive match since October.
The sack of Unai Emery came after the 2-1 loss to Eintracht Frankfurt Football Club of Germany in the UEFA Europa League at the Emirates Stadium. The club has also been non impressive in the league and domestic competition.
Former Arsenal player and second Assistant to Emery, Freddie Ljungberg, was appointed as interim coach, but he was able to record just a win against West Ham United at the London Stadium.
He recorded two loses to Brighton Hove Albion Football Club and Manchester City, losing 2-1 and 3-0 respectively, both at the Emirates Stadium, home front of the Club.
The choice of Arteta as the new Manager of the Club has been applauded with a take home of Five Million Pounds per annum, but the lack of confidence, coherence, team play, depth, fighting spirit and zeal of the team will be a major challenge for Arteta.
His first match in the saddle will be against Everton Football Club at Goodison Park, followed by a home game against London rivals, Chelsea Football Club and Manchester United Football Club.
Arsenal is to face Leeds United in the FA Cup and also faces Olympiakos of Greece In the knockout phase of the UEFA Europa League.
Nash Kroenke, the Head of the Arsenal board is bent on giving Arteta the right and conducive environment to operate in his new role, which many believes could propel the team for greatness.
Arsenal is presently languishing in the 10th position on the Barclays English Premier League table, their worst start in a season over 40 years ago.
The team has recorded just five wins, five loses and seven draws this season and minus three goal difference.
Arteta played for the Gunners for five years, winning two FA Cup trophies and two Charity Shield.
