Wayne Rooney admits if Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal throw away the Premier League title given their current position then “you’d probably see a change of manager”.
The Gunners extended their lead at the top over the weekend with a win over Crystal Palace whilst their rivals came unstuck elsewhere. The win at the Emirates was their fourth on the bounce and tightened their grip on first place after nine games.
They’ve recovered from some early criticism and have looked champions in all but name – owing to their overall quality, defensive solidity and set piece prowess. Elsewhere Liverpool have lost four on the spin and Manchester City cannot find the necessary consistency.
Arteta has been in the job since late 2019 and only has an FA Cup to show for his efforts. He’s spent millions and was again backed in the summer. All of which means there is pressure on him to deliver and with his side sitting pretty at the top Rooney insists changes have to be made if they can’t see the job through.
He said on his podcast: “They’ve got a good squad and good players. Mikel Arteta has been waiting and has been very close. They’ve tallied up some very good points in some of those seasons which in other years would have been good enough to win the title.
“Arteta has got a squad now where they’re really expected to win the league. They grind out results, they’re physical, they’ve got good attacking players, they’re so solid at the back. They’ve become the favourites. They’ve been top before and not won it and that’s the pressure, can you be top of the league and stay there?
“I think they can. The squad is good enough now and I think they’ve had the experiences which have got them close, but I think they’re ready for it, I think they’re ready to do it. There’s no excuses now, there’s no excuse. If they don’t win it now, you’d probably see a change of manager.”
Arteta’s doubters are often quick to point to his trophy haul and the minimal return he’s provided for the sizeable investment in him. Whilst Arsenal have been serial challengers they’ve struggled to get over the line and have finished second for three years on the bounce.
In 2022/23 and 2023/24 they had leads at the top of the table, only to let them slip late on with City pouncing on both occasions.
Arsenal have not claimed the Premier League title since their Invincible season more than two decades ago, but have been tipped by many to finally end that wait.