Jamie Carragher believes that Mikel Arteta is not the Premier League's best manager of 2022, despite guiding Arsenal to the division's summit.
Following successive years of inconsistent performances and underwhelming league finishes, the Gunners currently boast an extremely impressive five-point lead over reigning champions Manchester City and could extend that advantage by beating Brighton this evening.
Arteta must take immense credit for overseeing such a transformation, building a culture of progression throughout the club after replacing Unai Emery in 2019. Admirable recruitment has allowed several high-earning players to be replaced by promising and exciting talent.
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However, such work is, somewhat surprisingly, not enough to convince Carragher that the Spaniard is 2022's best Premier League boss. Writing in his column for The Telegraph, the Liverpool legend instead opted to name Newcastle chief Eddie Howe as his choice for the title.
"Eddie Howe is the Premier League manager of 2022. The first phase of the new era at Newcastle United is a triumph of coaching more than the result of a financial revolution," Carragher noted.
"I don’t believe any other manager could have bettered Howe’s work at St James’ Park over the past 12 months.
"Had the club’s Saudi Arabia owners somehow lured Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp to the north east upon completing their takeover, the team would not be in a stronger position.
"Much has been made of the money available at Newcastle and where it will eventually take the club. It is inaccurate and unfair to judge Howe's early work through that lens."
In all fairness to Howe and the Magpies, Newcastle have enjoyed a remarkable transition following their much-discussed takeover by PIF, rising from second-bottom to third place and a potential chance at qualifying for the Champions League at the end of the season.
The two teams are set to face off in what is, undoubtedly, a much-anticipated clash on Tuesday, January 3.
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