Football
Jeremie Aliadiere talks exclusively to William Hill
Former Arsenal invincible Jeremie Aliadiere spoke with William Hill about his time playing for Arsenal under Arsene Wenger and being part of the famous Invincibles who went through the 2003/20024 Premier League season unbeaten. Jeremie also shares his view on the current side under Mikel Arteta and who would get into this team from the team he played in. In the final part, Jeremie shares his football story after Arsenal which included time at Middlesbrough and Lorient.
If there was one former Arsenal player, who you played with, that you’d put into the current team who would it be?
Jeremie: This is simple; Thierry Henry, the Best of the best. He would fit so well into this team. The chances Arsenal are creating, he would thrive on them and would enjoy playing in the way Arsenal go about their business. Looking at the other positions and Raya is playing well right now and proving it was the right decision to make him Arsenal’s number 1. Defensively you have to admire the current defence who are playing superbly, with lots of physical strength, aggression, but also defending so well and both centre backs especially, are excellent on the ball. Midfield wise, Arsenal have a good balance and protect the back 4 well and also create chances.
Tell us about your time at Arsenal, especially in the Invincible season
Jeremie: It was amazing to be part of such an amazing squad and train and play with such great players. They wanted to win so bad and had such quality all over the pitch, they all knew what it meant to play for Arsenal and fought for each other well. With such quality up front, Arsenal had the best in the business in Dennis Bergkamp and Theirry Henry. Backed up by Wiltord and Kanu who were key players, we were such a formidable opponent. Vieira, Pires and Ljungberg were so important in midfield with Kolo, Sol, Ash and Lauren at the back in front of Jens. I managed to play in the Cups that season and pushed for opportunities in the League.
What have you made of Arsenal’s start to the season – navigating through the tough fixtures without losing?
Jeremie: Arsenal have made a good start to the season. Their goal is the Premier League title and beating Spurs, Villa away, drawing at City are a good return from these tough games.
Yes, not losing is key. It’s important to keep momentum up and stay close to the top, which is what Arsenal are doing. They look to have that bit about them this year.
It’s been a long time since you were at Arsenal. You obviously had Thierry Henry, Sylvain Wiltord etc in your way of regular football. Now, Arsenal have Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus. Are they good enough to win the Premier League?
Jeremie: They have been so close, but this season they are stronger. I believe this can be the season, but there are so many factors that can change things along the way. Look at the Rodri injury. Could this be the factor to decide the title? Perhaps him being out of the City side all season now will harm their chances. But there is loads of football to be played. Arsenal have strengthened well and look ready to fight for the title. Today, yes, Arsenal are good enough, but suspensions and injuries can change things if Arsenal were to lose any of their top players. It’s so tight at the top. Liverpool have started well so they come into the mix
How big of a loss was Martin Ødegaard, and how important is his return after the international break to Arsenal’s midfield?
Jeremie: It has been a big loss, but Arsenal have managed to keep on performing well without him. This now shows the strength in depth in this area of the pitch.
Partey and Rice have been strong, Havertz has dropped into this role well too. It is though very important he comes back soon, especially with Liverpool coming up.
Arsenal face Bournemouth next. What have you made of Andoni Iraola’s side and do you think they can break the Gunners’ unbeaten streak this season?
Jeremie: Bournemouth are a tough side to play against. They have shown they can play good football as last year had a good period in the Premier League where they went on a good unbeaten run and Solanke was scoring plenty. He has left, so goals are slowing down, but they try and play football the right way. For Arsenal, they must go about their business in the same way they have so far and they can gain the 3 points here.
My prediction is Bournemouth 1 v 3 Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta has obviously worked wonders at Arsenal. If he doesn’t win a trophy, however, is he under pressure?
Jeremie: Me personally, no. The Club is at a different now under Mikel. They are challenging for all trophies, the home support is amazing and the Emirates is a brilliant place to watch and support your team. From the later Wenger years and then the indifferent period after that, Arsenal now have a clear focus, clear vision under Mikel and the squad is excellent. However, modern football says you have to win trophies, fans have a bigger say and demand trophies. But the main change for me is that Mikel as brought Arsenal to be challenging for titles year in year out.
How do you reflect on your time at the Riverside? Where does the club/fans rank in comparison to other clubs you played for in your career?
Jeremie: I had a great time at Middlesbrough. I wanted to play first team football and Gareth Southgate gave me the trust and belief.
I would have stayed at Boro longer if I could have. I was playing week in week out, this is exactly what my aim was. I had many good memories of my time at Boro. The fans were great, they appreciated the hard work and effort the team and I were putting in. Unfortunately, we got relegated, but in the Premier League, it was a good experience playing each week and I am grateful for the opportunity.
Middlesbrough are hoping to return to the Premier League this season. Do you think Michael Carrick is the right coach to take them back to the top flight?
Jeremie: Yes, I think so. He has been at the club a while now and has shown a lot in that time to suggest he can guide Boro back.
The Championship though it so competitive, with so many games, it’s a tough league to get out off and you need a deep squad, luck and quality. The teams coming down from the Premier League have an advantage for sure, with the extra quality and plenty of squad players.
But, this year, I don’t see a front runner in the League and this helps Boro for sure. They can get in the play-offs this season and you never know what can happen. In my view, they deserve to be in the Premier League, they have a great chairman and I will be following them.
You were at Lorient at the same time as new Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris – Did your paths cross at all?
Jeremie: Yes, we did cross paths. We had a lot of chats and discussions about coaching as he was Director of the academy when I was there.
We spoke about young players and coaching as this was something I was keen to learn about. I was at the end of my career and coaching was the next logical step, so we spoke a lot, and he has a great vision about the game. He was so easy to talk with, he was composed, calm and excellent ideas as to how the game should be played.
He knew what he wanted and you can see he gets his message across well. This is a good move for him and I am sure he will go from strength to strength.
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