Jermaine Pennant thinks it is ‘crazy’ that some Arsenal fans have started to turn on Mikel Arteta ahead of tonight’s crunch Premier League clash with Aston Villa.
The Gunners will go into the showdown hoping to claim all three points and boost their chances of securing a first league title since 2004.
While Arsenal remain in contention to secure glory, however, some fans have criticised Arteta and his tactics this season.
The Emirates Stadium was a hostile place on Wednesday evening as the Gunners battled their way to a 2-1 victory over Tottenham in the north London derby.
Jermaine Pennant thinks it is ‘crazy’ that some Arsenal fans have started to turn on Mikel Arteta ahead of tonight’s crunch Premier League clash with Aston Villa
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And Pennant, speaking exclusively to GB News via William Hill, believes Arsenal fans turning on Arteta are ‘crazy’ – while expressing his admiration for the Spaniard and everything he’s achieved during his five years in the role.
“It’s crazy. Arsenal are in a good place right now and no way should they turn on the team or manager. Mike Arteta is doing a very good job at Arsenal,” said the former Gunners star/
“He has turned them around, into title challengers, second two years in a row, records broken along the way. They were the best team in the calendar year, and just fell short last season.
“The injuries to Bukayo Saka and now Gabriel Jesus haven’t helped right now, but Arsenal bounced back with a big north London derby win and can push on now.”
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Arteta has won just one trophy during his time as Arsenal manager.
Yet Pennant is firmly behind the 42-year-old and said, when asked if the north London giants should consider a change if they continue to win anything: “I think that is a bit harsh!
“If Arsenal win the Champions League, this is a huge success, it’s the first time the club would have won the competition.
“If Arsenal don’t win the Premier League then then they’re still in a great place, they have young, hungry and talented players, but with Man City way off it, Arsenal should be the ones who are favourites to win the league, but they aren’t.
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“There will be questions asked, if Arsenal don’t win anything this season, but that’s it, nothing more as this team can win things with the quality they have.”
One player Arsenal would love to sign is Newcastle’s Alexander Isak.
The Sweden international is a top target for Arteta and, in an ideal world, the Gunners would make a move for him this month.
But Pennant can’t see that happening and has suggested Arsenal should instead consider Sporting Lisbon’s Victor Gyokeres.
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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta retains the backing of Jermaine Pennant ahead of tonight’s Premier League clash with Aston Villa
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“I think Isak is now too expensive for Arsenal,” he added. “With his current form, his market value will be north of £100million and I’m not sure Arsenal have that to spend.
“So yes, they need him, but I don’t see that happening.
“Elsewhere, mentions have been made for [Benjamin] Sesko, [Dusan] Vlahovic, and Gyogeres. But maybe Mikel will look elsewhere for a loan until the end of the season.
Jermaine Pennant thinks Arsenal will need to break the bank in order to sign Alexander Isak
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“Of these three, Gyogeres could be the one in the summer, but others will also be after his signature.
“Arsenal need to find a gem who is ready to be unleashed on the Premier League and be a big success.
“It’s not easy to find a striker that can be an instant success, so watch this space!”
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