When the season began, many doubted Arteta's ability to win a trophy. His tactics and decisions faced staunch criticism, and even I questioned if he was right for the job.
Critics even questioned how he dresses, walks and behaves on the touchline. He is too emotional, some said. Why is he always agitated? He is too animated. He doesn't inspire his players enough. The role is too big for him, others loudly bleated.
Then came the 4-match blip, during which Arsenal were knocked out of two tournaments, and the 10-point gap was closed. The epitaphs on Arteta's grave were already erected. He has bottled it again. He must be sacked. He is not fit for the job. They described Pep and others as perfect and how much better they were than Arteta.
Last Monday, we all saw Arsenal place one hand on the Premiership trophy, and I watched from the Emirates as Arsenal qualified for our first Champions League final in 20 years. Even in this moment of clear history unfolding before our eyes, some still maintain that Arsenal should have scored 5 goals, not just the solitary goal at the Emirates. Arteta is still not good enough. They say oh he will still lose the final and bottle the league with 3 games to go.
In all this, Arteta has remained focused. He knows that the only opinion that truly matters is the Board's. They set his KPIs. They get briefings from him on the endgame. His tunnel vision will see him challenge for the trophy and possibly win the Champions League for the first time in Arsenal's 139-year history in Budapest. He will most likely end a 22-year Premier League drought as well. That will be his legacy.
They can hate him and find all the faults, but one day, a statue of Arteta will be erected at the Emirates Stadium, and all the naysayers will have is the bitter aftertaste of their bile and hate in their mouths.
This post is NOT about football, Arteta, or Arsenal, but about posterity and for those discerning enough to see its true message.
Eyes Fixed On The Prize! 🦁🇬🇭
Arsenal can't beat Bayern
Arsenal can't beat Leverkusen
Arsenal can't beat Inter
Arsenal can't beat Sporting
Arsenal can't beat Athletico Madrid
Don’t forget that Athletico/Simeone has never lost a knock out game to an English club
Athletico Madrid will go through at the Emirates
Arsenal got the easiest routes to the final
Arsenal can't beat either Bayern or PSG in the final
Arsenal can't win the league
Arsenal will drop points
This is the worst season ever
Corner FC
Set-piece FC
Haram FC
Bottlers FC
Let's wait till December
January
February
March
April
City topped
Arsenal have bottled the league
Manchester City will never drop points again
This is the best season ever
Manchester City dropped points
If Arsenal wins the league, it'll be the worst season ever
Arsenal
Arsenal
Arsenal
Arsenal
Arsenal
Arsenal
Arsenal
Arsenal
Arsenal
Arsenal
Arsenal
Arsenal