Mikel Arteta may guide Arsenal to their first Premier League title in 20 years – but he is not a top-two manager in the division.
That is the view of ex-Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor, who has had his say on the best – and worst – top-flight bosses.
Speaking on the talkSPORT Breakfast show, the former England international reeled off his top ten, where he omitted Chelsea‘s Mauricio Pochettino and Manchester United‘s Erik ten Hag.
A horror season for the Red Devils has seen the Dutchman be placed in the bottom three.
In contrast, United’s rivals City, who they face in the FA Cup final on May 25, have once again impressed, leading Pep Guardiola to be crowned as the best in class.
Agbonlahor said: “Number one has to be Guardiola again, because the football that they play, this season they’ve had so many injuries.
“[Kevin] De Bruyne was out for a while, [Erling] Haaland, [Phil] Foden had his injury problems, [Jack] Grealish, [John] Stones, Ederson, but they’ve still went out and played their attacking football.
“Very unlucky against Real Madrid [in Champions League quarter-final], should have gone through in that game, they’ll go on to win the league as well, so I’m going with Guardiola.”
Unai Emery – who has Agbonlahor’s beloved Villa sitting in a Champions League spot and on the cusp of a European final – was then named in second spot.
Commenting on the Spaniard, he remarked: “[Europa Conference League] semi-final tonight, could get through to the final, so many injuries as well.
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“Even if we finish in fifth place, I think that’s outstanding, ahead of the likes of Newcastle, Chelsea, Manchester United, West Ham, Brighton.
“What he’s done there as well, the attacking, attractive football, he sticks to his ways.”
Emery’s compatriot Arteta then follows in third spot, as Agbonlahor explained: “Any other season he’d be winning the league, if it wasn’t for this juggernaut in Man City.
“I think they’re going to be fighting it out now for a few seasons, City and Arsenal. They’ve been outstanding Arsenal this season.”
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was then named in fourth spot for getting the Reds in an unlikely title tilt, which few predicted at the start of the campaign.
Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola completes the top five, with the ex-Athletic Bilbao right-back accumulating a record Premier League points tally for the Cherries in his first year in England.
The south coast side are already nine points better off than what they finished last term, where they currently occupy tenth spot in the table.
Sean Dyche was then selected in sixth spot for dealing with Everton’s two separate points deductions and guiding them clear of the relegation zone.
And despite only being in charge of Crystal Palace for 11 games, Oliver Glasner has been named in seventh having won five matches – with notable victories coming against Liverpool, Newcastle and United.
Wolves’ Gary O’Neil then followed, with Newcastle’s Eddie Howe and Tottenham’s Ange Postecoglou completing the top ten.
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After being queried by co-host Alan Brazil for leaving out Pochettino and Ten Hag, Agbonlahor stated: “Ten Hag is 18th.
“I feel that he’s had a terrible season with Manchester United and Poch, next season I think he’ll do better.
“But this season with that talent, he’s not performed.”