Rival Fans Unite: Mikel Arteta Deserves More Credit Than He's Getting

Picture this: in the mad world of Premier League banter, Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool supporters are all singing from the same hymn sheet. They're calling out the haters and demanding more respect for Mikel Arteta. It's like the football gods decided to hit pause on the tribal wars for a hot minute.

The spark? A wave of fan mails pouring into sites like Football365, where supporters from across the divide are fed up with the Arsenal manager getting pelters despite turning the Gunners from a laughing stock into genuine title challengers. Even neutrals are scratching their heads at the vitriol.

Arteta's Arsenal: From Meme to Machine

Let's face it, Arteta inherited a club that was more punchline than powerhouse. Fast forward a few years, and they've got a squad that's scarily cohesive, challenging for the lot. A Man City fan, Olawunde Ayeni, nailed it in his epic 16-point ramble: the hate stems from folks being spooked by an 'unqualified' coach proving everyone wrong.

He respects Arteta without loving him, pointing out the solid foundations built sans a trophy haul yet. It's progress you can't deny – from flailing memes to top-four locks. And get this: even a Liverpool punter is wading in, calling out the 'bullying' of Arsenal. Admitting his own lot under Arne Slot have been pants, he questions why the Gunners cop so much stick when they've done nowt wrong.

Their fans insufferable? Sure, but let's be real – every band's got its loudmouths. Liverpool own that crown, apparently, with Man United not far behind in the delusion stakes.

Hot Takes from the Mailbox: VAR Woes, Haaland Quirks and More

The fan postbag's a goldmine of gold and guff. One United diehard marvelled at Aaron Wan-Bissaka suddenly winning headers at West Ham – a sight rarer than a quiet Old Trafford. Blame coaching or apathy? Who knows, but AWB's looking sharp.

Olawunde's thoughts are a riot. VAR? Not the problem – it's the refs fumbling it like nepotistic clowns. Love the shift to link-up strikers like Olivier Giroud, not just goal hogs. Erling Haaland? Beast mode, but a tactical brake on off days. And Tottenham? Manager merry-go-round's left them sinking.

Chelsea's billionaire circus gets a kicking too – billions spent, squad like a FIFA random gen. Man United's Michael Carrick? From Fergie 2.0 to Ole-lite. Fancy Gary Neville as boss with Wayne Rooney growling alongside? Pure chaos.

Arsenal's draw luck in cups? Dodgy. City's plotting an FA Cup smash of Liverpool and dreaming of toppling Real Madrid in the Champions League. But final word: City reckon they'll pip Arsenal to the Prem title.

Oh, and Paul Scholes podcasting with Paddy McGuinness? Sounds like a nightmare of dated moans and Bolton banter. Pass.

Why This Matters in the Title Scrap

This cross-rival respect for Arteta highlights how bonkers competitive this season is. Wolves grinding results, no one's safe. Agendas? Every fanbase cries wolf – Liverpool's Suarez days, United's eternal grumbles.

As the Champions League looms, expect the narrative to shift post-knockouts. For now, though, Arteta's earning props where it's due. In a league of agendas and egos, building something sustainable? That's proper boss-level stuff.

Fancy venting? theeditor@football365.com's mailbox awaits. Who's with me on giving Arteta his flowers?

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