Since Mikel Arteta took over as manager, Arsenal has once again become one of the top teams in the Premier League, but fans are still waiting for the club’s 14th title. The last time Arsenal won the English championship was in 2004. The right-back in Arsène Wenger’s team at the time, as well as two seasons earlier when they also won the title, was the Cameroonian defender Lauren. The African player made over 240 appearances for the Gunners, and after retiring, he was honored as an ambassador for the storied club. He has also worked as a pundit for various TV stations, most notably the BBC, and recently shared his thoughts on what Arsenal needs to dethrone Manchester City during a guest appearance on the Italian Football podcast.Arsenal legend Lauren urges 🏟️ his former club to sign a true No.9 to boost their attack and support the likes of Bukayo Saka and Martinelli. Is it time for a new striker at the Emirates? ⚽ #Arsenal #PremierLeague #BukayoSaka pic.twitter.com/9GfArUFBRD— OffsideWire (@OffsideWire) October 23, 2024 “I’ve been saying for a while that we need a ‘number nine’ who can help Saka, Jesus, and Martinelli in the final third. Such a player would be great for Arsenal and open up new possibilities in attack. For example, when you play against a dominant team like Manchester City, you need to defend in a low block and counterattack. Martinelli can do this on the left side, but if you had a ‘nine’ who could hold up the ball near the opponent’s goal, it would help the team recover in defense. That’s why I think we need a forward with different qualities than those we currently have to reach our desired goals by the season’s end,” Lauren stated.Fabregas reveals how he was snubbed by Wenger when trying to come backDiscussing various topics, the Cameroonian also spoke about his former teammate Cesc Fàbregas, who now manages Como, currently 14th in Serie A with nine points from eight matches.”He’s a great guy. At just 15, he had the character to compete with Patrick Vieira, Ray Parlour, Edu, and Gilberto for a spot in the team. Thanks to his mentality, he was able to succeed Vieira in grand style. I often use his example for young players; Fabregas had the drive to improve every single day. He was very talented, but he still wanted to get better every day. He would go to the gym before training, was one of the first on the field, and stood out among the best. He truly aligned his work with his personality. I’m sure he’ll become a top coach,” Lauren confidently stated.A bright coaching future is ahead of Cesc and the new Serie A member is the springboardLast weekend, Arsenal suffered a 2-0 away loss to Bournemouth, placing them third in the Premier League standings ahead of their big derby against Liverpool in London on Sunday. Mikel Arteta’s team sits four points behind their upcoming rivals and three behind current champions Manchester City.ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 9Friday 22.00: (3.10) Leicester (3.40) Nott.Forest (2.45)Saturday 17.00: (1.95) Aston Villa (3.50) Bournemouth (3.90)17.00: (1.75) Brentford (3.70) Ipswich (5.40)17.00: (1.65) Brighton (3.80) Wolverhampton (5.40)17.00: (1.12) Man.City (10.0) Southampton (16.0)19.30: (2.85) Everton (3.35) Fulham (2.65)Sunday 16.00: (1.80) Chelsea (3.70) Newcastle (4.40)16.00: (4.30) Crystal Palace (3.60) Tottenham (1.85)16.00: (3.05) West Ham (3.60) Man.Utd. (2.40)18.30: (2.50) Arsenal (3.45) Liverpool (2.95)***odds are subject to change***
