Mikel Arteta and Gary O'Neil's unlikely friendship as Arsenal take on Wolves

02 December 2023 , 08:45

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There are some unlikely friendships in the Premier League.

And Mikel Arteta became good pals with Gary O’Neil last year and the respect has remained ever since. Arsenal boss Arteta and Wolves counterpart O’Neil had ding-dong battles as players on the pitch when the Spaniard was at Everton and O’Neil played for Portsmouth and Middlesbrough.

But they really bonded during a winter break last season which, of course, was disrupted by the World Cup and the managers ended up in the same hotel. They bumped into each other rather than spending the entire time in each other’s pockets but they did form a mutual respect.

Arteta said about O’Neil last season: “I've known him for many years because we've been in the league together. I’ve been really impressed with what he's done throughout his career and the way he approaches every game, the way he sets the team and what the team is doing right now.

"I know him personally and think he is doing a great job. It's great to see managers at that age occupying those roles and doing well.”

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O’Neil’s Bournemouth pushed Arsenal all the way last March in one of the games of the season as the Gunners fought back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 at the Emirates. Now they meet again and if one thing bonds them together it is a sense of being wronged by key decisions.

O’Neil felt wronged after Wolves’ defeat at Fulham on Monday night after two controversial penalty calls and claimed his club could be seven points better off but for VAR. Similarly, Arteta has been outspoken on VAR and referees this season and the Premier League managers do meet on a fairly regular basis.

Mikel Arteta and Gary O'Neil's unlikely friendship as Arsenal take on Wolves

Gary O'Neil and Mikel Arteta went head-to-head in the dugout for the first time in March (Getty Images)

Unlikely alliances are formed and they often talk about particular issues. Arteta’s big gripe before the start of the season was when PGMOL boss Howard Webb brought in the “30 second rule” as players cannot re-enter the pitch immediately after having treatment.

It is designed to stop injuries but managers feel it actually questions their integrity. Arteta was a loud voice against it and it is often on these sort of issues and in these meetings where the managers find out who their friends are.

There is a unity among many of the managers and a respect between O’Neil and Arteta because they both think deeply about the game, are both very tactically astute and have also overcome doubts.

When O’Neil appeared on Monday Night Football, he blew people away with his insight, forthright opinions and thoughts on the game. But it did feel bizarre - and almost patronising - that people were so surprised that an English manager could speak so well.

O’Neil’s demands on his players is exhaustive thorough and they will be well drilled ahead of facing Arsenal. He is known for his planning, extensive meetings and clear coaching messages. Arteta is exactly the same. They both like to play good football, are two of the younger Prem bosses but are building on life experiences.

Mikel Arteta's Arsenal have made a fine start to the season (Getty Images)

It is almost certain to be an attack-minded game. Expansive and exciting. Wolves were almost written off before the start of the season. A change of manager, limited budget and O’Neil only came in days before the kick-off.

‌But Wolves have really upset the odds, surprised teams and, even though they lost at Manchester United in their opening game, they showed from that day forward how they will approach each game. They wlll be fearless, go out to attack and not be intimidated. That was Bournemouth’s game plan at the Emirates last season - and you can be sure Wolves will carry a big threat again on Saturday.

Arsenal will have also done their research on Wolves. They are long term admirers of Pedro Neto and are certain to be interested next summer. It will be a relief he has been out injured. But Arsenal will face a difficult test which is likely to be far harder than their Champions League win over Lens. But afterwards, the mutual respect is likely to remain between the managers.