Arsenal In Talks With Arteta Over Manager Job

Kaizer Chiefs surged into third place in the Betway Premiership standings following a hard-fought 1-0 triumph over Durban City at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium.

In a match defined by grit and tactical discipline, Gavin Hunt’s Durban City locked horns with the co-managed Kaizer Chiefs duo, Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze.

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Both teams carved out opportunities in a cagey contest, but it was Flavio Silva’s late strike that ultimately broke the deadlock and proved decisive.

Chiefs started brightly, with Makabi Lilepo and Mfundo Vilakazi both testing Darren Keet early on, while City’s Mfanafuthi Mkhize fired narrowly over following a set piece.

The first half ended goalless despite half-chances at both ends, including a fine save by Keet from Vilakazi’s long-range effort just before the break.

The second half continued in similar fashion, with City pushing forward through Bokang Mokwena and Fezile Gcaba, while Chiefs gradually took control after a string of substitutions.

The introduction of Gaston Sirino added creativity, and the Uruguayan made an instant impact when his pinpoint cross found Silva in the 88th minute. The Portuguese striker rose highest to glance his header into the top corner, sending the travelling fans into raptures.

Durban City threw everything forward in the closing moments, with Letsie Koapeng forcing a fine save and Kyle Jurgens missing a late chance to equalise.

But Chiefs’ defence, marshalled by Inacio Miguel and Bradley Cross, held firm to secure a hard-fought clean sheet.

The victory lifts Chiefs to third in the standings on 19 points from 10 matches. Durban City, meanwhile, drop to fifth with 15 points from 11 games.

It was a reminder that Chiefs, despite their recent inconsistency, remain one of the Premiership’s most dangerous sides when it matters most.

Arsenal have reportedly opened discussions with Mikel Arteta regarding the possibility of taking over as their next permanent manager.

Arsenal placed former midfielder Freddie Ljungberg in caretaker charge after sacking Emery in November but Arteta is the man they want long term.

Ljungberg has spectacularly failed his audition, winning just one of his five games in charge, and fans have made it clear they don’t want the Swede to get the job.

In fairness, he hasn’t been given much of a helping hand from the board after Emery took his coaching staff with him.

Arteta was one of the first names to be linked with the vacancy, despite not previously holding any experience as a head coach.

The Spaniard has been learning the ropes as assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City since calling time on his playing career with Arsenal in 2016.

He became a fans’ favourite at the Emirates, having joined from Everton in 2011, earning the captaincy and leaving with 149 appearances under his belt.

Reports emerged on Monday suggesting Arsenal chief executive Vinai Venkatesham travelled to the north west to meet with Arteta.

Pictures have been circulating in the media purporting to show the Gunners chief leaving Arteta’s home in the early hours on Monday morning after a two-hour talk.

The former Real Sociedad midfielder has previously stated a desire to step out on his own. However, Guardiola recently claimed his right-hand man wouldn’t be moving on until at least the end of the current season.

It appears after Arsenal’s latest defeat, a 3-0 loss to City on Sunday, the club are now looking to speed up the process of getting in a new manager.

Arteta’s appointment would be a risky one due to his lack of experience although he would enjoy a honeymoon period until the end of this term to get his philosophy in place.

Arsenal currently sit ninth in the Premier League, seven points adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea, and bridging that gap would be the primary aim.

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