Mikel Arteta felt the wrath of Arsenal fans on social media after failing to secure European football for the first time in 25 years.
After failing to learn lessons, Gunner’s manager, Mikel Arteta, admitted his job was under scrutiny as his side was outwitted by Unai Emery, his predecessor, as Villarreal ended Arsenal’s hopes of reaching the Europa League final with a 2-1 aggregate win.
Despite Arsenal only needing a 1-0 victory to send them through to the final, the lack of passion and determination from the players resulted in them only managing two shots on target the whole game summing up a lifeless display at the Emirates.
“We are devastated, really disappointed,” Arteta said. “It’s a huge blow. I feel the pressure all the time because I want to do as good as I can for the team.”
Arteta’s tactical decisions across the two legs came under criticism
Since Arteta took charge in December 2019 there have undoubtedly been encouraging signs however, these are too infrequent as they continue to struggle for the consistency that would surely usher in a more positive era that would bring success beyond the FA Cup that they won in 2020.
It really is a season to forget with Arsenal sitting in eighth position in the Premier League table, their lowest position since the 1994-95 season. Followed by their shock exit from the Europa League semi-final that most football pundits considered standard fair. That failure leaves them without European football next season and an uphill struggle to attract the football players to turn things around.
Mikel Arteta’s footballing philosophy is similar to Pep Guardiola however his lack of experience and tactical knowhow coupled with, a group of players that lack the desire and work ethic leaves you wondering whether this is an unachievable aspiration.
When managing a club of such stature you simply don’t have time for errors, this is where it’s questionable to why the owners wanted an inexperienced manager in the first place. Learning as you go was always the way forward for the Spaniard, but digging yourself into a hole deeper than the previous manager was always going to be woeful and take longer to climb out.
Sometimes lost and isolated on the touchline the only thing that resembles Pep is his arrogance and sense of fashion.
Never having firm grip on this group of players has cost Mikel Arteta his reputation amongst the fans. Unfortunately, sailing close to the wind has led to ill-disciplined performances, a lack of motivation and shape across the whole team.
It’s a tough decision for the voiceless American owner Stan Kroenke, who like the Glazers has received widespread apathy among fans over their greedy decision to try and form a European Super League.
Does Arteta deserve the summer window to try and mould this rotten side? Or should he be axed? It’s debatable. There seems to be some forgiveness behind the scenes that Arsenal’s squad needs major surgery and with finances being tight, it’s likely he will be given a chance to bring in more of the players he wants.
Obviously Arteta is a very lucky man, but when you look at this seasons form it’s more than ever hard to see a real argument for keeping the Spaniard at Arsenal. Sure, the owners would have some aspirations at this club, yet by doing that it’s time to bring in an experienced manager.
Look at Chelsea and the influence Thomas Tuchel has made after Frank Lampard’s dismissal, it’s been exquisite. He joined when the Blues were ninth, just two points and two places above Arsenal. Now they are in the Champions League and FA Cup final and fourth in the Premier League. Astonishing turn around by the German.
Admittedly, if the Arsenal board had acted sooner rather than later to sack Arteta, subsequently the season could have looked a lot brighter for the fans.
Across various social media platforms, fans have called for the Gunners to consider Brighton manager Graham Potter who nevertheless has earned a warm welcome to the Premier League since his arrival from the Championship.
Why Graham Potter? What would he bring that Arteta lacks?
Its clear Arsenal need a manager able to produce eye-catching, expansive football which can easily entertain. Potter, known for his key man-management has received plenty of praise for the fast-flowing and attacking philosophy for his Brighton side, who have flourished over the last couple of seasons.
As much as it would be tempting to pick out big-name replacements such as Massimiliano Allegri, Potter is a proven Premier League manager who would most likely snatch the opportunity first time asking, even though Brighton chief executive Tony Barber said he will not allow Potter to leave this summer.
Arsenal are set to welcome Graham Potter’s Brighton side to N7 near the end of the month, in what could be Mikel Arteta’s last game in charge. If so, it's essential Kroenke steps up and appoints the ideal successor to take Arsenal forward.
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