Charlie Nicholas believes Arsenal have learnt from Manchester United’s mistakes with the appointment of Mikel Arteta.
The former Manchester City assistant was unveiled as Arsenal’s new manager on Friday and watched from the stands as the Gunners drew 0-0 with Everton.
Considered a risky appointment by some, given his lack of managerial experience, Nicholas believes that the Spaniard’s arrival reflects the long-term project the club must undergo in their bid to turn the tide on a poor season so far. Indeed, he highlighted the lack of experience Arsene Wenger had when he embarked on his 22-year spell at the helm.
"My initial choice was Brendan Rodgers," Nicholas told Sky Sports. "But the honest truth is Arsenal needed someone, the second choice was Arteta and this is a project, as they call it in modern-day football.
"Arsene Wenger came with no reputation and look what happened to him. Arteta has been with, in my opinion, the best in Pep Guardiola, to learn and understand it.
"He's an intelligent guy, he's a leader, he was a leader at Everton and Arsenal, and was well-respected at both.
Nicholas told Sky Sports that he is glad that Arsenal didn’t throw money at the problem for a short-term solution as United have done in the past.
The Red Devils have hired Louis Van Gaal and Jose Mourinho among others in recent years in an attempt to fill the void left by Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement and while both managed some silverware, neither were successful in offering long-term direction.
"I did not want Arsenal going down the Manchester United line, which was to throw money at a big-name coach. They might win a couple of trophies, but you're building nothing," Nicholas added.
"It's all about building blocks, and Arsenal have to get back to that. Arsenal at the moment are an average team, a giant club, and they have to get the balance right.
"This is a three-year project, and Arsenal are well behind. But they could be threatening for that top four again next season.
"Could it happen this season? No. They've got too many decisions to make, like: What do I do with the defence? Who is going to be sold? Do [Pierre-Emerick] Aubameyang and [Alexandre] Lacazette want to stay? Do I get rid of [Mesut] Ozil? It's a lot to calculate and process."
