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Football London
Football London
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Sam Hill

Ex-Arsenal chief delivers Mikel Arteta verdict amid Arsene Wenger and Pep Guardiola comparison

Mikel Arteta is using his past experiences under brilliant managers to benefit Arsenal. The Gunners currently lead the Premier League by five points above reigning champions Manchester City.

Arteta played under Arsenal legend Arsene Wenger before later joining Pep Guardiola's coaching staff at the Etihad Stadium. Wenger and Guardiola are considered as two of the best managers to ever grace the Premier League, with the latter currently dominating the English top-flight having won four titles in the last five years.

Arteta has implemented a clear brand of football at the Emirates Stadium and now he has the squad that can perform to his demands. The Gunners have found themselves embroiled in a title fight with City and will be hoping to pick up where they left off when the Premier League resumes on Boxing Day.

READ MORE: Gabriel Jesus snubs Arsenal teammates in major midfield verdict amid Man Utd star praise

Former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein has compared Arteta's Arsenal side to playing a similar brand of football to that of former Gunners boss Wenger and City manager Pep Guardiola. Speaking to SkySports, Dein said: "I think he's [Arteta] doing really well.

"You can see the way the team are playing that he's had a good tuition from Arsene [Wenger] and Pep [Guardiola] because he's playing their type of football which is a pleasure to watch. It is coming through and the fact they're doing well now means hopefully it'll come through for them at the end of the season.

"It's been a long time [since Arsenal won the Premier League] from the Invincibles of 2003/04. Arsenal fans would love to see the league trophy back in the cabinet. It would mean a lot obviously, the competition is so intense clearly when you have four or five clubs that can win the title."

When asked why the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United are currently up for sale, Dein responded: "I've got my own personal view. Both clubs were involved in the 'Super League' and I think they [the owners] felt that was the holy grail for them.

"When that failed and they saw it would be another hard slog to move the club forward again after that, that may be one of the reasons. It's important the Premier League is stable and has good owners."

Arsenal fans have previously campaigned for Stan Kroenke to sell the club but pressure from supporters has lessened in recent months with performances on the pitch sparking a more positive atmosphere amongst fans. Dein continued: "It's unfortunate that it's come at the same time but there will be buyers in the market coming in because they [Liverpool and United] are attractive properties, they are both very, very glamourous clubs, so I can't see there being a shortage of people bidding for them.

"I don't believe people should go into football looking to make a profit. It is a sport, you do it really for the entertainment factor, to win trophies. When I bought into Arsenal, there was only one thing on my mind: to make the club successful again on the pitch."

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