Bournemouth Boss: Arteta Has Done A “Fantastic” Job, Arsenal Are On The Up

Bournemouth boss Scott Parker is a fan of Mikel Arteta’s work…

Bournemouth boss Scott Parker waxed lyrical on the work Mikel Arteta’s done at Arsenal in recent years and believes they’re headed back to the top, he told reporters ahead of his pre-match press conference (via AFCB).

Arteta takes his side to the Vitality Stadium on Saturday afternoon looking to take his to nine points from nine for the first time since 2004.

Ironically, the scene will also be where this journey with Arteta began in December 2019, with the Spaniard overseeing a 1-1 draw in his first match in charge.

Almost 36 months later, Arteta’s imprint is all over the club and, after a few transfer windows, the former Manchester City assistant is able to consistently field his favoured 4-3-3 system with technical players all over the pitch.

Parker believes that while Arsenal missed their top-four target last season, the trajectory is still upwards.

“What Mikel has done in a short space of time is fantastic,” Parker told reporters.

“The progression they’ve made in terms of signings has enhanced them even more. They will be right up there this season.

“They’re heading in the right direction and they’re a team on the upward curve. There’s a philosophy around what they’ve done and I see them improving drastically,” the former Fulham boss added.

“Gabriel Jesus is a brilliant signing. Mikel had him as a player at Manchester City and he’s a top forward, he has everything to his game as a number nine. It’s a real challenge for us to try and keep him quiet.” 

It would be rather refreshing to start the season with three wins, given how long it’s been. Also, our horrendous start last season eventually cost us a top four spot, so a strong start will undoubtedly stand us in good stead.