Legendary Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman says Mikel Arteta’s man-management skills are better than what Arsene Wenger’s were during his time in charge.
Arteta has led the Gunners back to the top of the Premier League table, building on last season’s title challenge rather than dwelling on the disappointment of throwing away a sizeable advantage to Manchester City.
Arsenal have won 12 of their 17 games, drawing three and losing just two, and are a point ahead of Liverpool and surprise package Aston Villa. Defending champions Manchester City are fourth, five points back.
Speaking to BetWay, former goalkeeper Seaman, who won three top division titles – including two Premier League crowns – and four FA Cup trophies, revealed his belief that Arteta is better at building bonds with the players than long-term manager Wenger, who took the reins in 1996 and led Arsenal to great success.
The 75-cap international added that he sees a bit of George Graham in Arteta – another manager who enjoyed success in north London – and is happy that he remains in charge of the club after coming under pressure early in his tenure.
“The qualities I see in Mikel are very similar to both managers. The determination of George, I see that in Mikel, but then the tactical awareness, and awareness of his players,” Seaman said.
“His man management of the players is better than what Arsene was. So I see a mixture of that and then obviously from his time at Man City under Pep, he’s certainly learned from that. We’ve got a mixture of everything in Mikel, and I think that is going to get better and better.
“I was watching in training, because I go in and coach with the young goalkeepers, and I knew how good he was and I knew what he was getting out of the lads. I’m very grateful that he’s still our manager.”
Seaman also spoke highly of midfielder Declan Rice, who became the most expensive British footballer of all time in the summer when Arsenal agreed to pay West Ham £105m including performance related add-ons.
Of his impact at Arsenal, Seaman reflected: “He makes it [the team] even better, by a long way. If I’m honest, I’m surprised as to how much of an impact he’s had.
“The way that he’s playing has shocked me, I suppose. I’ve seen him do it with England, I’ve seen him do it with West Ham, but then doing it with Arsenal is a little bit different. The pressure is there, but he just goes out there and plays, which is what I love to see. The impact that he’s had has been brilliant because it’s not just him that’s playing well, he’s upped the ante of everybody else as well.
“He’s gone in there, not just out on the pitch but at training, he’s showing how good he is and it lifts the players.”
Arsenal’s title credentials will be put to the ultimate test when they travel to Liverpool on Saturday – a ground they have not won at in the Premier League since 2012.
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