When Mikel Arteta walked into the Arsenal training ground for the first time in December 2019, he was met with great expectations from the club’s fanbase. Having left his role as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City, Arteta was poised to carve out his own legacy at the Emirates Stadium. Fast forward to the present, and after six years at the helm, Arteta faces increasing pressure as Arsenal’s season falters. The Gunners are currently 15 points adrift of Premier League leaders Liverpool, despite initial hopes for a title challenge. With trophy ambitions slipping away, Arteta could face the sack if things do not improve. Here are three reasons why that might happen:
1. Trophy Drought
The most obvious reason Arteta’s position is under threat is the ongoing lack of silverware. The Gunners had high hopes at the beginning of the season, with many believing they could challenge for the Premier League title. However, a 1-1 draw with Manchester United in March 2025 proved to be the final blow to their ambitions. With just 10 matches left to play, Arsenal finds itself 15 points behind leaders Liverpool. Despite being a fixture in the top half of the table, Arsenal’s failure to win trophies during Arteta’s tenure has become a major issue. The Gunners have not won the Premier League since the historic 2003-04 season, and this current squad has yet to secure a major trophy under Arteta’s guidance. If Arsenal finishes the season without silverware, the board may be forced to reconsider the manager’s future.
2. Defensive Obsession
Another issue that has dogged Arteta’s time at Arsenal is the team’s overly defensive approach. In the early days of his reign, Arteta promised to bring back the attacking flair that was synonymous with Arsène Wenger’s Arsenal. However, in recent seasons, Arsenal has adopted a more cautious style of play, which many fans find uninspiring. Arteta’s prioritization of defensive solidity over offensive creativity has made the team less entertaining to watch, leading to frustration among supporters. A prime example of this shift was Arsenal’s 2-2 draw against Manchester City earlier in the season, where a red card to Leandro Trossard saw Arteta’s side adopt a defensive mindset for the remainder of the match. Arsenal’s struggles to find the right balance between attack and defense have led some to compare the team’s playing style to that of Stoke City, known for their focus on set pieces and physicality. This lack of excitement and attacking threat could be a significant factor in Arteta’s potential dismissal.
3. No Return on Investment
Since Arteta took over as manager, Arsenal has invested heavily in new players, spending close to £600 million on transfers. Despite these significant financial commitments, the return on investment has not been reflected in the form of trophies. Before the 2024 summer transfer window, Arteta had already spent £545 million, and with additional signings like Riccardo Calafiori, the total investment has risen to around £577 million. This season alone, Arsenal spent €108.90 million on players such as Calafiori, David Raya, and Mikel Merino. While these signings have bolstered the squad, the board may start to question why these investments have not led to a stronger challenge for major honors. In English football, winning cups or league titles is often seen as the true measure of a manager’s success, and with the money spent and no tangible results, Arteta’s future could be in jeopardy if the season ends without a major trophy.
In conclusion, while Mikel Arteta has made strides in rebuilding Arsenal and improving the squad, the absence of trophies, the team’s overly defensive style, and the lack of return on significant investment all point to potential challenges in securing his long-term future at the club. If Arsenal fails to meet expectations by the end of the season, the club may decide that a change is necessary to return to the top.
