Arsenal has had the best start under manager Mikel Arteta since he took charge back in 2019. The Spaniard has seen his fair shares of ups and downs with this team already. And he is not ready to give up just yet. The former Arsenal skipper is keen on winning more trophies and titles, with the Londoners, which has been his goal all along.
After winning the FA Cup in his very first half-season and then the Community Shield in the next campaign, Mikel Arteta has tasted some glory already. However, as suggested by Willian, he is here to win the Champions League. Whether that dream comes true or not, the ambition is really worth applauding.
Even the great Arsene Wenger failed to win a UCL title. Despite that, as Arsenal awaits their first European trophy in the Premier League era, Mikel Arteta won’t give up without a fight. He wants to do the IMPOSSIBLE!!
Though his ambition is great, Mikel Arteta has one major problem that may cost him the Premier League title this season and more in the future!!
All great managers have that one thing that hurts them at times. With Wenger, it was his stubbornness. Mourinho was cranky, Klopp makes weird excuses for a loss, Conte cribs a lot and so on. No, Mikel Arteta doesn’t stroll around his manager’s area. That is not his reason for downfall. Who do you think I am?? RICHARD KEYS!?
The main issue is what has hurt Mikel Arteta in the last two seasons as well. It has made him some bitter enemies within the Arsenal camp and in the fanbase. Many Arteta-Outers have cited it as a reason to diss him or want to get rid of him, due to it. Even Arteta-Iners would agree to this point and will surely feel it’s a serious concern.
One thing that was noticed since the start of his career, Arteta doesn’t use his substitutes properly. This was not a concern in his first half-season at the Emirates. However, post that time, things were rather complicated.
Mikel Arteta always had trouble utilizing his bench. Players like Mesut Ozil, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Nicolas Pepe, Lacazette and even Aubameyang (eventually), were not utilized properly. For some reason, they were more of a bench-warmer than an actual player. In recent times, the likes of Cedric, Tierney, Tomiyasu and more, could have been used better.
Further, the main problem is not just the under-utilization. However, under Mikel Arteta, many of the players feel isolated at times. They get the feeling that they have been totally left out and are not part of the squad. This does not help when their services are eventually needed in crucial games.
Why Kieran Tierney has suddenly faded into the abyss is still unknown. The left-back has barely seen any minutes in the first-team. Surely, Mikel Arteta doesn’t just want to use him in the Europa League. Ideally, Gooners hope that there is a plan for the subs. Though, it doesn’t seem to be clicking in recent times!!
Why is this such a huge concern, as Arsenal enter the business-end of the current campaign!!
Manchester City’s biggest strength could surely be their bench-strength. The Cityzens have had some top players in recent years, not just on the pitch, but on the bench as well. This makes them a really strong force. One that not many teams want to battle with, as the quality is just top-class.
With great (oil) money, comes great signings!! That is something that the clubs in the Premier League know. Mikel Arteta and his team will be facing Manchester City at the Emirates next. And if Arsenal wants to win, the bench which has the likes of Trossard, Tomiyasu and quite a few more, will have to used correctly.
Arsenal needs to have the right kind of balance for the season. Otherwise, the reigning champions will surely have no mercy on the hosts. And who knows this better than Mikel Arteta himself!?
