“Unfair” – Ex-Super Eagles forward weighs in on Arteta-Wenger Arsenal comparison

Former Super Eagles and Arsenal striker, Nwankwo Kanu, has played down the ongoing comparison between fans pitting Arsene Wenger against Mikel Arteta, Afrik Foot reports.

Arteta recently led the Gunners to their first Premier League title since Wenger’s invincibles in 2004, ending an agonising 22-year wait without a PL trophy.

The Spaniard’s success has led fans to compare him with Wenger, an action Kanu moved quickly to shut down, claiming it’s ‘unfair’ to pitch both managers against each other.

Arsenal: Kanu shuts down Wenger vs Arteta comparison

Quizzed about Arsenal’s recent domestic success, the retired Gunner was pleased Arteta’s side were able to get the title over the line despite intense pressure from Manchester City.

“All the legends are proud and happy for the team, the manager, the players, and everyone at the club,” the one-time UEFA Champions League winner said in an interview with Flashscore.

“They deserve enormous credit for what they have achieved. As former players and lifelong supporters, we are delighted because we all love Arsenal and want to see the club succeed.

“Now, nobody can say Arsenal do not win trophies anymore. That narrative has changed.”

Kanu failed to liken Arteta’s success to Wenger’s. Instead, he claimed both have different styles, lauding the Spaniard’s impact at the Emirates.

“I can’t really say too much, but Arteta has done well. However, the Professor is still the Professor. Arteta played under him, and he knows that Arsene Wenger is someone completely different in his approach and legacy,” the former Super Eagles continued.

“Of course, people often judge Arteta by trophies, but I don’t think that is fair. You should judge him by the team he has built and the standards he has maintained at the club.

“He has done very well, but I don’t think there is any need to compare them, as they are completely different managers in different eras and situations.

“A lot of records are made to be broken, so why not? If he continues in this way and keeps improving, there is no reason he cannot achieve it [what Wenger achieved].

“He has the potential to be there, and I genuinely hope he does. That is something everyone would wish for him.

“It is all about consistency and progress, and if he maintains this level, then he will certainly put himself in a position to reach that kind of legacy,” the former Inter Milan striker concluded.

During his time at Arsenal, Kanu won the FA Cup twice, the Community Shield, and the English Premier League title twice.