Alan Shearer has pinpointed the key reason why Mikel Arteta is currently regarded on a higher level than Manchester United’s Erik ten Hag, despite having only an FA Cup to his name.
According to Shearer, Arsenal can push Manchester City in the league that sets Arteta apart.
While Ten Hag has secured both the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup compared to Arteta’s single FA Cup win, the former Newcastle striker believes that Arteta has already demonstrated his value at Arsenal.
With the Gunners facing Manchester City on Sunday and expected to be the champions’ closest rivals this season, United may find themselves battling for a top-four finish once again.
Shearer, speaking to Betfair, explained: “I understand that Arteta has only won one FA Cup during his time there, but there’s no doubt about the progress within the football club.
They’re improving all the time. Compared to Erik ten Hag and Manchester United, we’d be talking about the pressure Arteta would be under if Arsenal were finishing eighth or ninth, like Man Utd did last season, even though they won the FA Cup.”
He added, “These teams have to get into the Champions League every season, and they must challenge at the top like Manchester City.
City have won the last four titles and are aiming for a fifth, which is incredible. Manchester United, however, have been nowhere near challenging City in terms of league standings. That’s the big difference and why Arteta is seen as a success at Arsenal compared to Ten Hag at United.”
Arteta recently signed a new contract, just 72 hours before clinching victory in the North London Derby.
Reflecting on this, Shearer said, “On the eve of the [Tottenham] game, Arteta signed a new contract, and his tenure at Arsenal can be considered successful because they’ve improved and are still on an upward trajectory. They’re working hard to keep pace with Manchester City’s dominance.”
He continued, “Liverpool managed to win the title a few years ago, but we’re dealing with a genius in Pep Guardiola and the financial power behind Manchester City. When you put it all together, they’re almost impossible to overcome. That’s the challenge facing Liverpool, Arsenal, or any team hoping to get close to City. It’s a very, very difficult task.”
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