Jamie Carragher has hailed the job Mikel Arteta has done in reversing ’s fortunes but admits he has one ‘big fear’ for the Gunners’ manager.
The Spaniard will take charge of his 100th Premier League match on Saturday with his new-look side attempting to extend their 100$% start to the new season against promoted Fulham at the Emirates.
It has been a rollercoaster near three-year period at the helm for Arteta, on whom Arsenal took a major gamble on when they recruited him following the sacking of .
’s former assistant has warmed to the job and shown a willingness to make potentially divisive decisions, ending the Arsenal careers of high-profile players including the likes of Mesut Ozil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Having been backed to the tune of nearly £300million in the past 12 months, however, Carragher believes there is no hiding place for the former Everton midfielder.
Anything other than a top four finish would be seen as a failure and Carragher fears Arteta could ultimately end up laying the groundwork that his eventual successor will benefit from.
He told : ‘Building a side to reflect his vision has been a daunting and at times arduous task for Arteta, even though we should not ignore how much he has been financially backed. Â
‘Will it be enough to make the four? For all my praise of his work, it has to be. This is his third full season in charge and although he signed a contract extension it is time to deliver. This is his make-or-break year.
‘We will see how much depth there is when the European competitions begin, and whether Arsenal can last the pace.
‘However it turns out, Arteta has already led Arsenal to a healthier place than where he found the club – with a younger, balanced and hungrier squad.
‘My fear for him is he has laid the groundwork for a successor to lead the club to the next level.
‘For now, Arteta is in position to reap the fruits of his own labours, guiding an exciting team. Whether it leads to the highest honours or not, the rebuild is advancing and this does not look like a false dawn.
‘Arsenal fans are right to believe they are in for an entertaining ride.’
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