Arteta hints exit from Arsenal almost happened, reveals what stopped it

Mikel Arteta has claimed that he was almost close to an edit from Arsenal when he went 56 days without a win.

According to him, he would have been sacked as the club and fans doubted his credentials.

However, the Spanish boss said the situation was turned around by Emile Smith Rowe.

‘There was a huge wall, it was really difficult for them,’ said Arteta, reflecting on one of the most testing periods of his tenure.

‘That game came at a really important moment. I don’t like to single out a player, but I think probably Emile Smith Rowe – that is the moment where he really appears into the picture and something changed and that helped shift momentum big time.’

The wins inspired by Emile Smith Rowe is believed to have set the tone for the rebuilding of the Gunners team under Mikel Arteta.

Two years after, the North London outfit has become a tile contender as they now sit top with five points ahead of Man City after the win over Wolves on Saturday night.

‘It’s special,’ said Arteta of Wolves’ situation with the struggling Midlands club playing their final game for the arrival of Julen Lopetegui as their new manager.

‘Obviously, they are in a moment as well with very special circumstances. I think Steve has done a really good job looking at the games they have played.

“We were watching the midweek game they played and the game before that they lost not really meriting to lose the game. We know, Saturday night at the stadium will be busy and it will be a tough game.”