Mikel Arteta's Arsenal reign has been a rollercoaster of unconventional tactics and underwhelming results. Since his appointment in December 2019, the Spanish manager has tried everything from symbolic olive trees to dog-petting sessions, all in the pursuit of success. But despite these quirky gimmicks, Arteta's team has yet to secure a major trophy, leaving fans and pundits alike scratching their heads.
The latest headline-grabbing move was the bonfire at the training ground, which, while amusing, did little to improve Arsenal's fortunes. The team's struggles are evident in their Premier League performance. They've spent 539 nights at the top of the table without lifting the title, a record that surpasses even the legendary Kevin Keegan. And with City's dominance, Arsenal's wait for a championship seems only to grow longer.
The recent defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium highlighted the team's inability to close out games. Despite a valiant effort, Arsenal once again fell short, leaving them with a five-match shootout where goal difference could be the deciding factor. Arteta's challenge is clear: inspire his players to play with freedom and creativity.
The current squad's lack of goal-scoring prowess is concerning. Martin Ødegaard and Gabriel Martinelli, who combined for 15 league goals last season, have contributed only eight this time around. With doubts over Bukayo Saka's availability due to injury, the onus is on Ødegaard and Martinelli to step up. Arteta must also show more faith in Eberechi Eze, who has the potential to unlock defenses.
Arteta's decision to drop Viktor Gyökeres, Arsenal's leading league scorer, was a brave one. The pairing of Kai Havertz and Gyökeres in attack showed promise, but it's a fine line to tread. With limited options, Arteta may need to be bold and trust his players, a trait he hasn't always displayed.
The pressure on Arteta is mounting, and his guarded nature during press conferences hasn't helped his cause. His public calls to arms have backfired, and the anxiety he exudes on the touchline sends the wrong message to his players. Arteta's lack of Premier League success as a player and manager adds to the challenge.
Despite the criticism, Arteta retains the faith of the Arsenal hierarchy. The board understands the psychological stunts are part of his leadership style, aimed at a young and impressionable squad. With the pressure slightly eased after losing their lead to City, it's time for Arteta to deliver and prove his worth.
In my opinion, Arteta's unconventional methods are a double-edged sword. While they capture attention, they also distract from the core issues. It's time for him to focus on the fundamentals and trust his players, allowing them to express themselves freely. Only then can Arsenal truly challenge for major trophies.
