Broadcaster Piers Morgan has apologised to Mikel Arteta for constantly questioning the Arsenal manager during his first few years in charge at the Emirates.
Morgan, who is an Arsenal fan, was heavily critical of Arteta for releasing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and failing to qualify for the Champions League last season. He labelled the Gunners boss "pathetic" - among other things - and called for him to be sacked.
Yet Arteta has silenced Morgan's complaints by leading Arsenal to the top of the Premier League table. The Gunners are five points clear of Manchester City in second and look set to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in seven seasons.
As well as calling Arteta a "demonstrable failure at Arsenal" and questioning the club's decision to give him a new contract, Morgan also predicted Tottenham would finish ahead of the Gunners at the start of this season. Antonio Conte's side are fifth in the table.
Morgan made his apology ahead of Sunday's North London derby. "It's mea culpa time, and I’m talking a Grand Canyon-sized one," wrote Morgan in his column for The Sun.
"First, I was completely wrong about Arteta. More pleasingly, I was also completely wrong about Spurs and Conte. And as we head into another North London derby this Sunday, I’m happy to admit I’ve never been happier to make a predictive a*** of myself."
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Tottenham find themselves two points behind Manchester United in fourth having played a game more, but they can move to within eight points of Arsenal if they win on Sunday. Man City also have a tough game that day, as they travel to Old Trafford.
Arteta was appointed by Arsenal in December 2019, despite having no previous managerial experience. He has won the FA Cup and Community Shield during his time in charge but is yet to qualify for the Champions League - finishing eighth, eighth and fifth.
Arsenal fans are desperate for success after 19 years without a Premier League title. Although they've won five FA Cups during that time, they have struggled to compete with Chelsea, Tottenham, Man Utd, Man City, Liverpool and Leicester in previous title races.
Yet things are finally looking up for the Gunners, putting a smile on Morgan's face. He added: "Arsenal’s transformation from mid-table mediocrity to a properly competitive team again has been stunning to watch. And it’s all down to Arteta, who if I’d had my way would have been abruptly sent packing eight months ago."
Morgan now believes Arteta "does have what it takes" to deliver success to Arsenal and says he's "never heard the Emirates this loud or united". He's also finally accepted that Arteta "needed more time than I'd been prepared to give him" to build his team.
Morgan concluded: "I predict a big Arsenal win [on Sunday] and Conte to throw his touchline toys out of the pram. And to Arteta, I say: I’m sorry for doubting you, Mikel. You’re the real deal. Keep up the great work."
