Analysis: Why Arsenal fans shouldn’t give up on Mikel Arteta so easily

Arteta’s Challenges and the Unraveling Season by Jack

In the tempestuous realm of football, Arsenal finds itself at a crossroads as recent performances raising legitimate concerns among fans and pundits alike. The drop-off from a commendable display against Liverpool to disappointing defeats against West Ham and Fulham, has prompted many to question the team’s trajectory and, by extension, Mikel Arteta’s leadership.

The palpable disappointment is exacerbated by the fact that just a short while ago, Arsenal was riding high at the top of the league table. The sudden reversal of fortunes has left supporters grappling with the uneasy feeling of witnessing their team’s promising season unravel.

However, amid the clamor for change and calls for Arteta’s dismissal, there are voices of reason urging patience. The sentiment echoes that it might be premature to declare the season a lost cause. Acknowledging the team’s inconsistency, some fans argue that winning the league is currently a distant aspiration. The reality is that, despite the setbacks, the season is still in its early stages.

What adds to the complexity of the situation is the internal dynamics and decision-making process, shrouded in mystery for the fans on the outside. While Arteta’s influence on player transfers and overall team dynamics is acknowledged, the collaboration with Edu remains a behind-the-scenes enigma. The intricacies of their working relationship and the factors influencing player contracts and acquisitions remain opaque to the public eye.

A notable lament is the swift turnaround of sentiment among fans who were once won over by Arteta’s vision. The frustration is palpable among those who now find fault with every aspect of the team that recently occupied the top spot. The dip in form raises the question of whether Arteta will be held accountable if the decline persists. The manager’s influence extends beyond the touchline, encompassing critical decisions regarding player contracts and team composition.

The spotlight also turns towards the players, who, despite securing significant contract improvements, have failed to maintain a consistent level of performance. The stark contrast between a dominant display against Brighton and a lackluster showing against Fulham underscores the unpredictable nature of the team’s outings.

The lack of desire, energy, and hunger displayed against Fulham is deemed unacceptable by both fans and Arteta himself. The manager’s post-game admonition serves as a warning to all – players and coaching staff alike – that such lackluster performances cannot be tolerated.

In conclusion, as Arsenal grapples with a turbulent phase, a nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by Arteta, the complexities of team dynamics, and the players’ responsibility is essential. While the results ultimately rest on the manager’s shoulders, the entire team must collectively strive to meet the expectations set by the club, the fans, and, most importantly, themselves. Only time will tell whether Arteta can steer the ship through these stormy waters and get our mutual targets back on track, but we shouldn’t just write off our whole season after just a couple of setbacks, which affect all teams at one point or another…

Jack Anderson.


Listen to the new podcast as Joe Broadfoot gives his considered opinion of defeats to West Ham and Fulham in Arsenal’s end to 2023

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