Kevin De Bruyne, a star for Manchester City, claims he is not shocked by Mikel Arteta’s success as Arsenal’s head coach. After being on City’s coaching staff for three years, the Spaniard took over as Arsenal’s manager. This season, his Arsenal squad is having a tremendous start, sitting atop the Premier League.
When asked if he was shocked by Arsenal’s success under Arteta, De Bruyne responded, “No, not really.” Obviously, there are many similarities between our playing styles, but that has always been his approach. It was a terrific learning school, and we undoubtedly had wonderful years, when he stopped playing and got the chance to come here. From Mikel’s inception to his departure three years later, I observed a change. He was adapting at first, but over time, he began to really embrace his position. He had a lot of ambition, which was evident from the fact that he seized opportunities.
It’s encouraging to see that Arsenal gave him time. That things are going well for him makes me glad. They are playing fantastic football right now. Hopefully, they won’t be adequate for us. With the goal to tie the score at 2-2 against Fulham in the Premier League opener, Mohamed Salah established himself and broke another record.
Nine games into the season, Arteta’s team leads De Bruyne’s City by one point. This month, Pep Guardiola acknowledged that his former assistant’s club was outperforming the Premier League champions in terms of the current play, adding, “We must forget one thing, ladies and gentlemen, there is one team that has been better than us.” This is the truth. Actually, Arsenal has outperformed us thus far.
This is the fourth season in a row that Arsenal has won eight out of its first nine league games. The previous three were in 2007-08, 2004-05, and 1947-48. The north London team will be looking to defeat Leeds at Elland Road on Sunday in order to maintain their lead in the standings.
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