In the aftermath of Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat away at Tottenham in 2020, Jose Mourinho made a strong statement about Mikel Arteta.
The legendary Premier League coach predicted that the Spaniard would help Arsenal return to the top, and just over five years on, he has been proven correct.
It was a difficult period for Arsenal and Arteta back then, as the defeat saw them drop into 15th place, and pressure was beginning to mount on the manager.
How many players from Arsenal’s 2020 team vs Tottenham would make it into Mikel Arteta’s current squad?
Aubameyang for Gyokeres? Bellerin for White? Xhaka for Norgaard? Lacazette for Merino?
Not many gave Arteta much hope of becoming a success at the Emirates Stadium, except for Mourinho, who was very complimentary of the Gunners.
Jose Mourinho predicted Mikel Arteta would succeed at Arsenal
Back then, Jose Mourinho said that Mikel Arteta would help bring Arsenal back to the top of the Premier League, having been impressed by his Arsenal team.
Despite the media and Arsenal fans putting pressure on the Spanish coach, Mourinho insisted that he was the right man for the Gunners.
Many laughed at the North London club for ‘trusting the process’, but not so much now, given their current position.
Speaking after the match, Mourinho told Sky Sports: “Again, I repeat, it was a very difficult game, even to see during the game when to change, what to do.
“So, of course, tomorrow I imagine the headlines will be about them not being in a good position in the table, but I believe with these players and Mikel, Arsenal will be Arsenal again.
At the time, not many would have taken much notice of Mourinho’s words, but he is one of the greatest footballing brains of recent times and has proven why once again.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Granit Xhaka could still do a job for Arsenal
Gabriel Magalhaes and Bukayo Saka are the only two remaining members from that team, but two others who stick out from that squad are Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Granit Xhaka.
The former Arsenal duo have really impressed this season for their new clubs, with Aubameyang flying in France and Xhaka smashing it at Sunderland.
If you could re-sign one former Arsenal player right now, would it be Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang? If not, who?
Auba has scored eight and assisted 10 in 19 games this season👀
In fact, both players could still be useful assets for Arteta’s squad, with Aubameyang still scoring goals at an impressive rate at Marseille.
Meanwhile, Xhaka has been one of the best midfielders in the Premier League this season and could be great cover for Rice or Zubimendi.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
