‘Is this a wind-up?’ – Arsenal fan wants sacked Chelsea manager to replace Mikel Arteta in wild call
Today at 06:14 AM
One Arsenal fan was calling for Mikel Arteta’s head despite the 2-1 victory over Tottenham in the north London derby.
The Gunners returned to form with an excellent display over their arch-rivals to reignite their title hopes and move back into second in the Premier League table.
But that was not enough for one supporter, who called the Sports Bar on Wednesday night to express his frustration.
Caller Jason declared that he was ‘worried’ watching his team win, and demanded a change in manager at the club.
However, ex-Chelsea defender Jason Cundy and former Arsenal forward Jermaine Pennant were utterly stunned by the preferred choice of replacement.
“I’m worried how this game went. It shouldn’t be like that,” the fan said.
” I don’t want Mikel Arteta at the club, I’ve said it many times. Here’s a manager that we should go and get, for free who isn’t going to cost nothing.
“Won the Champions League in 2012, managed [Aston] Villa in 2016 and he’s now out in South Korea. Roberto Di Matteo. He’d do a better job than Arteta.”
Di Matteo, who famously guided Chelsea to European glory as interim boss, currently works as a technical advisor to South Korean football club Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors.
As well as Chelsea, he has managed MK Dons, West Bromwich Albion, Schalke and Aston Villa – though the Villa role was his last managerial position and that ended in 2016.
Despite winning the Champions League, Di Matteo lasted less than a year at both Chelsea and Villa before getting sacked.
Cundy immediately responded: “Is this a wind-up? What are you talking about mate? You’re second in the table.”
The caller doubled-down and responded: “Mikel Arteta took over the team, won the FA Cup with Unai Emery‘s squad. Emery got the squad ready.”
Cundy insisted the Champions League-winning Chelsea squad led by Di Matteo in 2012 was ‘miles better’ than Arsenal’s current side, naming the likes of Frank Lampard, John Terry, Didier Drogba and Ashley Cole.
The caller’s son then spoke to Cundy and Pennant who said he ‘didn’t want Di Matteo’, but added that: “I’d rather have Jose Mourinho“.
Cundy was in shock at the claim and responded: “What is wrong with you lot? What is it with Chelsea?”
Pennant added: “That family have lost their marbles. That’s one of the most bizarre phone calls we’ve ever had.”
Mourinho has recently admitted he would return the Premier League.
He currently manages Fenerbahce in the Turkish Super Lig, securing a 1-1 draw with former club Man United in the Europa League.
He has taken up roles at Man United, Tottenham and Roma since his second stint at Chelsea between 2013 and 2015.
Arsenal completed the double over rivals Tottenham last night with a 2-1 victory at the Emirates, despite numerous chances being missed by the Gunners.
The victory closes the gap to four points between them and leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand.
