Roberto De Zerbi Hails Arteta As A “Great Manager”, Names Arsenal As The League’s Best

De Zerbi reiterates his stance…

Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi waxed lyrical on Mikel Arteta ahead of Saturday’s clash at the Amex Stadium, hailing the Spaniard as a managerial “great”, SussexWorld reports.

De Zerbi and Arteta have been embroiled in a few enthralling clashes since the Italian’s arrival in England last season – though our boss put on a clinic in December.

We dominated The Seagulls to end a run of two consecutive Premier League defeats at the Emirates Stadium, with De Zerbi admitting that he’s never seen his side dominated in that manner before.

While the score ended at 2-0, we really could’ve scored another five and should’ve been out of sight by half-time. In his post-match press conference on that occasion, the former Sassuolo boss hailed Arsenal as the Premier League’s best.

Four months on, De Zerbi’s stance remains unchanged: “Yes. Liverpool are another great team, different characteristics, different characteristic of the players, different style.

“City are close with the style of Arsenal. But I think when Arsenal play well, it’s very tough for all.

“You can understand my words because Arsenal won 3-1 against Liverpool (in February), won against City at home (in October), in the Champions League they are doing very well.”

In terms of the man behind Arsenal’s rise to title contenders in recent years, De Zerbi hails Arteta as one of the best in the business.

“I have big respect for his job. His style is clear. They play always with a big intensity, with courage and he’s a great manager.”

Arteta will hopefully keep up our impressive away form as he looks to inflict Brighton’s first defeat at home in the Premier League this season.

With many pointing to this fixture as one of our toughest in the run-in, clinching all three pints will be a massive statement of intent.