Arsenal Boss Mikel Arteta Steals March On PL Rivals In Bet365 PL Market

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been installed as the early short-priced favourite by Bet365 to clinch the Premier League October Manager of the Month award. The Spaniard, who has won the accolade on eight occasions during his time in charge of the Gunners, is trading at 3/1.

Fans, of course, will eagerly anticipate the resumption of top-flight football this weekend following a three-week international break. And the odds compiled for the aforementioned Premier League special make for interesting reading.

Arteta storms into pole position

It has been a momentous week for Arteta, having agreed a contract extension to keep him in the red half of North London until June 2030. In Arsenal’s previous outing before the international break, they were put to the sword by Brighton, collapsing to a shock 3-0 defeat.

While the supporters have had a few weeks to stew over the dismal display, Arteta will eye a strong response from his side when they take on Leeds this weekend. Although Leeds have proved to be stubborn, winning two and drawing three of their first five games under Daniel Farke this term, trips to the Emirates have often been chastening experiences.

Yes, Arsenal have won nine of their past 10 Premier League games against Leeds, including each of their last seven by an aggregate score of 24-5. More pertinently, Leeds haven’t tasted success away to Arsenal since a 3-2 victory in May 2003. And with fixtures to follow against Nottingham Forest and Everton this month, the short price reflects Bet365’s belief in Arteta’s side to get things back on track.

Enzo Maresca trailing

Manchester City may have enjoyed a perfect start under Enzo Maresca, but Bet365 has held off slightly, offering odds of 8/1. There is also a major cloud hanging over City given they were recently found guilty of 114 breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations between 2009/10 and 2022/23.

A trip to Liverpool on Sunday awaits, and while City’s punishment has yet to be determined, relegation odds have been floating about in recent weeks. Bet365 offered a price of 5/2, the same as Betfred, for City to drop into the Championship, and they are fifth favourites to go down.

Andoni Iraola looking to kickstart Liverpool revolution

It has been a slightly subdued start to life at Anfield for Andoni Iraola. Currently trading at 10/1 with Bet365, a draw against City this weekend would mean they had failed to win each of their first three home league matches for just the third time in their history. On the flip side, Iraola would become just the third Reds manager to avoid defeat in his first six league matches since Bob Paisley and Joe Fagan.

Although Iraola’s approach is a far cry from the heavy-metal football played under Jurgen Klopp, victory against City could provide the launchpad for their campaign. With fixtures against Brentford and Brighton also on the horizon, Iraola has the chance to make an impression and silence his detractors.

Best of the rest

Elsewhere, Michael Carrick, who has come under scrutiny at Manchester United, is trading at 12/1 with Bet365, while Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler is available at 16/1. Hull boss Sergej Jakirovic, who was named Manager of the Month for August, is a distant 25/1.

A lot can happen between now and the end of the month. Whether there is a surprise when the Manager of the Month is announced will be fascinating.