Arsenal manager - Is Mikel Arteta the right choice?

[topspin]

It doesn’t matter if Arsenal don’t win the league next season as long as they produce an improved performance than this season and obviously mount a serious title challenge.

If Arsenal finish second with 92 points and City win the league with 100 points it doesn’t matter that Arteta should be sacked.

As far as the UCL is concerned, you have to understand that winning the UCL requires a lot of luck. It is an extremely prestigious tournament but it is not the true litmus test of a team or a manager.

Pep has dominated league football for 15 years but he has only won the UCL twice so far. Even a manager like Di Matteo has won a UCL.

Ancelotti doesn’t know the first thing about dominating leagues. He has 5 titles in 20 seasons in spite of managing almost every rich and powerful European powerhouse but he seems to always do well in the UCL.

Inter are in the UCL final but they are not even close to being the best team in Italy. They can defend like dogs in Istanbul and have the game of their lives and beat City 1-0, but if they and City play in the same league, they wouldn’t come close to finishing above them.

These are my expectations for next season:

- Serious title challenge with 90+ points
- A strong UCL showing irrespective of how far the team goes.

As long as Arsenal can do this it will show that the team is trending in the right direction. Of course, if they regress and limp to 4th or 5th in the league you will have to question Arteta’s future.

I think it all depends who we can sign this summer so I would hold your horses before having any real expectation of us making 90 points next season.

Next season will be tougher. I expect Liverpool to be back.

Even if you're right, my issue is will he get a better chance to win the title for Arsenal? I don't think so. I would be surprised if City don't hit 100 points next season.

 

[topspin]

Emery is one of those managers whose thrives in mid table sides. Not every manager has the personality and the mentality to manage a big club with expectations.

He failed badly at PSG and Arsenal. You have to be extraordinarily incompetent to bottle the French league with PSG even if you are competing with a Monaco team that has Mbappe, Bernardo and Fabinho.

He schooled Arteta in Europa just like he schooled Klopp with Sevilla. That is his comfort zone, that is his domain. He doesn’t have the level to dominate league football with a big club.

In fairness to him, everyone has failed at PSG including Tuchel. Emery only got sacked because there was a disconnect between him and the players in terms of the language barrier. They couldn't understand him. That isn't so much an issue now.

If Arteta fails to deliver PL or UCL, I would like to see Arsenal consider replacing him with either him, Eddie Howe and other viable candidates at the time.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

In fairness to him, everyone has failed at PSG including Tuchel. Emery only got sacked because there was a disconnect between him and the players in terms of the language barrier. They couldn't understand him. That isn't so much an issue now.

If Arteta fails to deliver PL or UCL, I would like to see Arsenal consider replacing him with either him, Eddie Howe and other viable candidates at the time.

Newcastle to Arsenal would be a step backwards for Eddie.

 

[topspin]

You need to understand that squad depth isn’t just numbers. It’s about having players who the right profile.

Arsenal already have depth in terms of numbers but the problem is that if 1-2 first team players are unavailable, the entire system breaks down because the backup players cannot function in the system.

For example, if Zinchenko is unavailable, Tierney cannot fill his boots not because he is a bad player but because he is a very different player.

You replace Tierney with Zinchenko and it disrupts the whole team and how they play.

When Holding replaced Saliba, Arsenal suffered not just because Holding is a bad defender but because Arsenal had to change the way they play.

Arteta knows he needs to rotate but he cannot because it breaks down the system. This summer, he needs to find backup players who fit into the system.

This means a full-back who can pass the ball. The interest in Cancelo is genuine and he would be a starting RB, but if Zinchenko is unavailable, he can easily play LB and it won’t impact the team.

Holding also needs to be replaced with a ball playing CB in Saliba’s mould.

He also needs a left footed wide player who can provide cover to Saka.

I watched City against Chelsea yesterday and their reserve players played almost exactly like the first team with an obvious and expected drop in quality. This is what Arsenal need to do as well.

I completely agree with the premise of your argument here. Having squad depth with a suitable calibre of players isn't sufficient. You need like-for-like replacements.

If Tierney wants to go we should offer him to City and negotiate a swap deal so we can bring in Cancelo.

Holding is a championship defender at best. Ever since we lost to Newcastle at SJP, around this time last year, I have always maintained that he was part of the deadwood that needed to be sold. I have no idea why Arteta decided to keep him in the side for this season.

What do you make of Jakub Kiwior? I think he's mentally weak and another terrible signing from us, something that is akin to Fabio Vieira, Lakonga, Tavares and etc.

You raise an excellent point with regard to the need to acquire a left footed wide player to cover for Saka. I always wondered why Arteta didn't rotate him more with Nelson but I guess this must have been the reason behind it.

 

[topspin]

Newcastle to Arsenal would be a step backwards for Eddie.

Sounds like something you'd hear from a parody account.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Sounds like something you'd hear from a parody account.

They have a crazy fanbase, could build a massive global presence and cement himself as one of their greatest managers.

There aren't many clubs that can offer a manager the chance to become a club icon, legend in the city and build a presence on a global scale.

Why would he give that up for Arsenal?

Not for the next 3-4 years (unless sacked)

 

[topspin]

This comes as a shock not because there is an element of truth to what you said but because I’m sorry to see such an illogical post from a logical poster like yourself.

Pep did not go easy on Arsenal. No one goes easy on anyone. Pep is an extremely competitive manager who hates losing and his hunger to win is always there no matter how much he wins. His obsession and passion for football and winning trophies are second to none.

City struggled for the first half of the season because he was unable to figure out the best system after signing Haaland. He didn’t know his best team.

City had predominantly played without a number 9 last season and suddenly they had a big guy upfront who doesn’t get heavily involved in the build up.

He experimented not because he wanted to but because he had to. He tried different combinations and once he found the right one (benching Foden etc.), they went up a notch and Arsenal couldn’t keep up with the pace and obviously Arsenal’s problems compounded when their players burned out due to lack of rotation thanks to the squad limitations.

There are two things that Pep does better than anyone else and Arteta needs to learn this from him.

1. He is not afraid of benching or selling anyone. He got rid of Ronaldinho immediately, he benched Henry for a youth player like Pedro and replaced Yaya with Busquets even though Yaya was one of the top midfielders in the world at the time and Busquets was a rookie.

He converted Messi into a false 9 when everyone thought he was too small and weak to play in the middle. He benched prime Zlatan. He got rid of a City cult hero like Joe Hart immediately. He binned his replacement Bravo after one season without giving him a chance to redeem himself.

He immediately chucked Cancelo out of the team this season when things didn’t work out anymore. He dropped Foden from the playing XI who is City’s golden child.

2. He is not afraid of playing players in positions other managers won’t even think about. He sees football very differently. Playing Messi in the middle, playing without a striker, playing Bernardo as a full back, playing Stones in midfield etc. He also has the charisma and the personality to make sure the players respect his decisions as well.

For me Arteta’s biggest mistake this season was thrusting Holding into the team when it was obvious that he didn’t fit the system. He could have made an out of the box decision - he could have experimented with Partey in defense, played White as RCB and tried Nelson as a RWB etc.

He needs to be more tactically flexible and I’m sure he will learn with experience.

I'm just shocked to see a side that I believe is possibly the best PL team of all time not be able to muster 100 points this season when the same manager has done it before without Haaland. I'm deeply upset that we didn't exploit this opportunity to clinch the title this season. We have missed out badly.

Having said all that, I've always agreed with your analysis on Pep. He is a fine innovator with his use of inverted full backs and false nines.

As you say he's the master of timing when it comes to selling/benching/rotating his players. I still remember how he responded to what was a miserable season for Barca in 07/08 when they finished 18 points behind Real Madrid. He won the league next season after having cleared out Ronaldino, Zambrotta, Thuram and Deco and to bring in the likes of Dani Alves, Pedro, Busquets and Pique. This masterstroke epitomises the genius that he is.

I hear everything that your saying about Pep and I'm in full agreement however it took him a while to bring back KDB and Gundorgen when they were struggling to string 3 consecutive wins. When you have the best coach in the world, squad depth and the best team in the world featuring these two midfieders alongside with Haaland in your side, you should be winning the league with ease.

Arteta had it easy but messed up. The way we've collapsed after 30 game mark is completely unacceptable.

 

[topspin]

They have a crazy fanbase, could build a massive global presence and cement himself as one of their greatest managers.

There aren't many clubs that can offer a manager the chance to become a club icon, legend in the city and build a presence on a global scale.

Why would he give that up for Arsenal?

Not for the next 3-4 years (unless sacked)

Maybe in the medium to long term.

However at present it's not a backward step even in the slightest. It would in fact be the contrary as Arsenal are a superior team and are currently a much bigger club team.

 

[MenInG]

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta accepts his side must strengthen in the transfer market if they are to become Premier League champions next season.

Arteta's side were beaten to the 2022-23 title by Manchester City.

The Gunners have been linked with a move for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice and are also closing in on forward Kai Havertz from Chelsea.

"Next season is going to be the toughest league in Premier League history," said Arteta.

"Why? It already was last year. I've been here [England] for 22 years and I've never seen a competitive level like that. So much quality, so much organisation, so many resources, so many good coaches.

"That's the level and to win the Premier League you have to be the best. That's why you have to strengthen."

Arsenal topped the table for much of the campaign but their challenge fell away after they suffered injuries to key players like William Saliba.

Although the Gunners finished second and secured a return to the Champions League, Arteta says it still "hurts".

"To this day, it still hurts me deep inside not to have won the Premier League after 10 months of fighting with City," he added.

"There were three or four injuries to important players and from then on, everything got complicated. When we had the full team, we were consistent. As soon as problems came, it wasn't enough for us.

"Our opponent was the best team in the world, the best squad in the world, the best coach in the world.

"We had no choice but to accept it and shake hands with the champion."

BBC

 

[Firebat]

Mikel Arteta says he is happy at Arsenal and has played down reports linking him with Paris St-Germain. (Marca)

 

[Firebat]

Mikel Arteta: Arsenal manager considered his Premier League future after missing out on title

Mikel Arteta considered his future as Arsenal manager after last season's title disappointment until deep "reflection" persuaded him to stay put.

The Gunners led the Premier League by five points from Manchester City before consecutive draws with Liverpool, West Ham and Southampton proved costly.
Arsenal's next game was a heavy defeat at City, who went on to win the title by five points from the London side.

"The first few weeks, very tough," said Arteta, looking back at his summer.

"The first thing you have to do is look in the mirror and understand - is there something that you should have done better or differently? If that is the case then learn from it.

"Judge yourself - 'are you still the right person to drive the club, the team, forwards in the way that you want and do you have that energy and that belief that you want to do it?'.

"It took a big reflection, but the answer is yes and I feel with a lot of energy and positiveness."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66409342

 

[Amjid Javed]

Mikel Arteta: Arsenal manager considered his Premier League future after missing out on title

Mikel Arteta considered his future as Arsenal manager after last season's title disappointment until deep "reflection" persuaded him to stay put.

The Gunners led the Premier League by five points from Manchester City before consecutive draws with Liverpool, West Ham and Southampton proved costly.
Arsenal's next game was a heavy defeat at City, who went on to win the title by five points from the London side.

"The first few weeks, very tough," said Arteta, looking back at his summer.

"The first thing you have to do is look in the mirror and understand - is there something that you should have done better or differently? If that is the case then learn from it.

"Judge yourself - 'are you still the right person to drive the club, the team, forwards in the way that you want and do you have that energy and that belief that you want to do it?'.

"It took a big reflection, but the answer is yes and I feel with a lot of energy and positiveness."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66409342

No more excuses now from school boy manager it's his inability to manage squad at back end season which cost Arsenal title. Also throwing cups away was pure arrogance.

Defensively the team as a unit looks no better, Jesus injury and no new striker. The mistakes keep happening, he isn't winning title this season.

Kronkes will be happy with CL spot finish, 650M spent on 25 new players and nothing to show for it.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Arteta continuing to copy Peps ideas, inverted full backs, false number 9s. I'm sure playing a main big striker (haaland mold) will happen at somepoint .

The fact he has none of his own ideas is why the club won't win anything major while he remains in charge.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Arteta has havertz and wasted 65M and doesn't have a clue where to play him. All his fan boys saying Arteta wouldn't misused him like he supposedly was at Chelsea.

Now the whole team line up is being messed around to accommodate this passenger, this shambolic signing will be the end for Arteta and he it will be just deserts for him.

All this tinkering will lead to another trophyless season. Yesterday was yet another example of poor in game management with his subs aswell, usual late subs after 70 mins. Never proactive.

This will be a Claudio raneri Chelsea type scenario coming up

 

[BouncerGuy]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1719840892326957258

 

[Amjid Javed]

Time to get a manager who actually knows how to "manage a squad"

Another trophyless season on its way.

After every cup failure there is always excuses from Arteta

 

[James]

That was a deeply embarrassing performance. Arsenal’s biggest loss by scoreline against West Ham for more than 50 years. There is a chance of the FA Cup because they’ve got a good record in that, but I can’t see any other silverware being delivered this season.

 

[Amjid Javed]

That was a deeply embarrassing performance. Arsenal’s biggest loss by scoreline against West Ham for more than 50 years. There is a chance of the FA Cup because they’ve got a good record in that, but I can’t see any other silverware being delivered this season.

Can't be no more excuse from Club now about squad depth, so called "bigger fish to fry" in other competitions. The so called "squad" built should have enough quality to compete.

But looks like weak and poor mentality every time they play in cups, manager throwing them away has set a bad precedent. It's clear the club mentality isn't there to want to win trophies.

This is one of reasons this manager needs to go.

 

[MenInG]

Mikel Arteta has been nominated for the Premier League Manager of the Month award for the third successive time this season.

Tottenham counterpart Ange Postecoglou edged out the Spaniard to the prize for August and September.

Arsenal won two and drew one in October - extending their unbeaten start to the season. Arteta has been nominated with Postecoglou, Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp and Aston Villa's Unai Emery.

BBC

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Mikel Arteta: Arsenal boss says it's his duty to defend the club after VAR controversy

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says it his "duty" to defend the club after he criticised the officiating in Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Newcastle.

He said the decision to allow Anthony Gordon's winner at St James' Park was "embarrassing" and a "disgrace".

Arsenal backed Arteta's comments in a club statement, which was called "dangerous" by pundit Gary Neville.

"It is my duty to stand in front of you and give a clear and honest assessment," Arteta said on Tuesday.

"My duty is to defend my players and my club in best possible way. It is what I intend to do time after time.

"I always do it and will take my responsibility to do it. It's the way I am. I have to defend my club."

The Football Association has written to Arteta and Arsenal to "seek their observations" about his comments.

Three areas around Gordon's goal were checked by Saturday's video assistant referee (VAR) - to see if the ball went out of play in the build-up, if there was a foul and if there was an offside - with all coming back in Newcastle's favour.

Arsenal said the refereeing was "unacceptable", adding players, coaches and supporters all "deserve better".

"We have a duty to express how we feel on the evidence we have. We have to stand for our people, our values and who we are," Arteta added on Tuesday.

"The club statement shows the unity and the understanding in the club in a clear and honest way. That's our duty as a club.

"It is nothing special, nothing different. I would do it again and the club would do it again until this is right."

It is my duty to defend Arsenal - Arteta

Mikel Arteta says it is his "duty" to defend Arsenal after he criticised the officiating in last Saturday's 1-0 defeat by Newcastle.

www.bbc.com

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Mikel Arteta has been charged with misconduct following comments he made in post-match interviews after Arsenal’s Premier League game defeat to Newcastle United.

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

Mikel Arteta has been charged with misconduct following comments he made in post-match interviews after Arsenal’s Premier League game defeat to Newcastle United.

Good decision, should have been done sooner.

There absolutely has to be a discussion around referees but his rant was pathetic and childish.

Most of all it was illogical and he couldn't even articulate what was wrong with the goal because he didn't actually know.

All he did was undermine referees and create a pile on, which only makes things worse, and he did it all just to deflect from his team not creating a single decent chance on the night.

 

[topspin]

Good decision, should have been done sooner.

There absolutely has to be a discussion around referees but his rant was pathetic and childish.

Most of all it was illogical and he couldn't even articulate what was wrong with the goal because he didn't actually know.

All he did was undermine referees and create a pile on, which only makes things worse, and he did it all just to deflect from his team not creating a single decent chance on the night.

You Newcastle fans are cold hearted but that's to be expected because it's always cold outside for where all you Geordies live all year round.

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

You Newcastle fans are cold hearted but that's to be expected because it's always cold outside for where all you Geordies live all year round.

Nah man, we are incredibly friendly actually, lol

His rant was absurd and if we want the standard of refereeing to improve (which is totally reasonable) then ranting in public is not the way to go about it

Far too many managers love to moan about referees, I've always found it off putting

 

[topspin]

Nah man, we are incredibly friendly actually, lol

His rant was absurd and if we want the standard of refereeing to improve (which is totally reasonable) then ranting in public is not the way to go about it

Far too many managers love to moan about referees, I've always found it off putting

I know I know I'm just kidding, I've been to Newcastle twice. I'd say it's the most friendly Town or City in the UK.

But you don't seem friendly, you're getting all happy about this outcome. You won the game, what more do you want?

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

I know I know I'm just kidding, I've been to Newcastle twice. I'd say it's the most friendly Town or City in the UK.

But you don't seem friendly, you're getting all happy about this outcome. You won the game, what more do you want?

Don't want anything else, the win was very good for us, especially as the upcoming fixtures are going to be brutal with our injury list

I don't like it when managers try to bully referees, didn't like it when Fergie did it, don't like it when Klopp does it and certainly don't like it when Arteta does it, especially when his rant was over a legitimate goal and as we've heard a legitimate process

 

[KingKhanWC]

Fair to charge him. He used his teams avg performance to attack the refs over incidents which were correct, as now know.

After the Int break, the games come thick and fast. This could be the start of the fall of Arteta.

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

Fair to charge him. He used his teams avg performance to attack the refs over incidents which were correct, as now know.

After the Int break, the games come thick and fast. This could be the start of the fall of Arteta.

And some Arsenal fans trying to compare it to Klopp's comments were so wide off the mark.

Klopp had a very legitimate gripe because a legitimate goal was ruled out due to a monumental human error, that was indisputably a goal, not a subjective decision and a human error within a flawed process disallowed it.

 

[KingKhanWC]

And some Arsenal fans trying to compare it to Klopp's comments were so wide off the mark.

Klopp had a very legitimate gripe because a legitimate goal was ruled out due to a monumental human error, that was indisputably a goal, not a subjective decision and a human error within a flawed process disallowed it.

Yes, although Klopp was previously fined after the Paul Tierney mess earlier this year. I think he got 2 match touchline ban and 75k fine. When the offside was given, he held back, meaning the ban and fine did work.

Arteta will likely get a similar punishment. I think the pressure on him this season is huge, having come 2nd and also spending so much. You will see him more erratic as the season progresses, as City and LFC will be hard to keep up with this year.

 

[Mamoon]

And some Arsenal fans trying to compare it to Klopp's comments were so wide off the mark.

Klopp had a very legitimate gripe because a legitimate goal was ruled out due to a monumental human error, that was indisputably a goal, not a subjective decision and a human error within a flawed process disallowed it.

Same thing happened with Arsenal last season at home in Feb when the ref “forgot” to draw lines and it cost Arsenal 3 points against Brentford

Based on Arsenal’s history with VAR, Arteta had every reason to say what he said vs Newcastle and I’m happy that the club backed his statement.

 

[Mamoon]

Fair to charge him. He used his teams avg performance to attack the refs over incidents which were correct, as now know.

After the Int break, the games come thick and fast. This could be the start of the fall of Arteta.

You have been predicting Arteta’s “fall” since 2020 and here we are in 2023 with Arteta finished 17 points ahead of Klopp’s superstar team.

Please sit down. Arteta is not going anywhere and he has 100% backing from the Arsenal board but why wouldn’t he? He is the best young manager in the world.

 

[KingKhanWC]

You have been predicting Arteta’s “fall” since 2020 and here we are in 2023 with Arteta finished 17 points ahead of Klopp’s superstar team.

Please sit down. Arteta is not going anywhere and he has 100% backing from the Arsenal board but why wouldn’t he? He is the best young manager in the world.

I predicted no fall, I predicted him winning sweet fa. You predicted him winning the PL

But now you will see the pressure on him mount, injuries and with LFC and City at the top, he will have a nervous breakdown down the line, if not already in motion. The board may back him for another year out of sheer embarrassment giving him so much to spend but will turn when the fans turn. Amjad brother will lead the call.

 

[Mamoon]

I predicted no fall, I predicted him winning sweet fa. You predicted him winning the PL

But now you will see the pressure on him mount, injuries and with LFC and City at the top, he will have a nervous breakdown down the line, if not already in motion. The board may back him for another year out of sheer embarrassment giving him so much to spend but will turn when the fans turn. Amjad brother will lead the call.

You predicted Arteta getting sacked in 2020, 2021, 2022 and now 2023. You claimed he is on borrowed time 2 years back and here we are.

You will be wrong again as usual. Arteta is not going anywhere and you have no idea how much faith the board has in him.

Arsenal will finish above Liverpool again so please calm down with the Liverpool at top chest-thumping.

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

Same thing happened with Arsenal last season at home in Feb when the ref “forgot” to draw lines and it cost Arsenal 3 points against Brentford

Based on Arsenal’s history with VAR, Arteta had every reason to say what he said vs Newcastle and I’m happy that the club backed his statement.

Having a rant after you have actually been hard done by is one thing but doing so when you weren't is another. it was further compounded by his inability to articulate why the goal was a "disgrace"

He was clearly asked on a few occasions why it was a disgrace but he failed to elaborate

All he served to do was create a pile on for referees and he should rightly be punished for it

 

[Amjid Javed]

You have been predicting Arteta’s “fall” since 2020 and here we are in 2023 with Arteta finished 17 points ahead of Klopp’s superstar team.

Please sit down. Arteta is not going anywhere and he has 100% backing from the Arsenal board but why wouldn’t he? He is the best young manager in the world.

Best young manager in world 3 trophyless seasons in a row, bottled a europa league semi final, top 4 race and PL title.

Yet another bhangra in underpants overhyped nonsense statement.

Rather then talking nonsense why don't you back your comical statements with actual facts and stats.

Oh wait you can't, I'm sure you will run off and change subject as usual.

Spanish Brendon Rogers should go manage in SPL thats his level.

 

[Amjid Javed]

I predicted no fall, I predicted him winning sweet fa. You predicted him winning the PL

But now you will see the pressure on him mount, injuries and with LFC and City at the top, he will have a nervous breakdown down the line, if not already in motion. The board may back him for another year out of sheer embarrassment giving him so much to spend but will turn when the fans turn. Amjad brother will lead the call.

Arsenal board and the club have no standards, if they did they would have sacked a manager who tool the club out of Europe for 1st time in 20+ years. Then embarrassed himself in a europa league semi final, top 4 race and title race. Arteta admit himself he nearly quit in summer, as he clearly knows he was to blame for bottling title.

The kronkes only care about CL money as they did previously. If the Clun had ambition they would make the who failed accountable for failure.

Only way this fraud of a manager wins a PL title is if City and Chelsea get punished like Everton, or even get relegated for cheating.

Arteta is just a failure like brendon Rogers was at Liverpool.

Arsenal's whole "5 phase" project is nothing more then a scam to lower expectations and not be accountable for failure.

You get certain fans sat in their bedrooms twerking at Arteta posters on the wall like he's greatest manager in history of football. It's these which have allowed the players to think failure is acceptable as well.

 

[MenInG]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1727998734158479747

 

[Hassan A]

According to Media Sources:

Aaron Ramsdale has Declan Rice to thank after the Arsenal midfielder spared his blushes following a horror mistake in the 1-0 away win at Brentford.

The 25-year-old was recalled to Mikel Arteta's starting XI - his first Premier League appearance since September 3 - with David Raya ineligible to face his parent club.

And the goalkeeper almost gifted the Bees an early lead at the Gtech Community Stadium after he lost possession on the edge of the six-yard box.

He dithered with the ball at his feet, with Yoane Wissa robbing him of possession before playing the ball back to Bryan Mbuemo.

The Cameroon international arrowed a first-time effort towards the bottom left corner but, thankfully for the visitors, Rice sensed the danger.

He got back quickly to clear off the line, with Wissa then missing the rebound as the ball cannoned back to him.

Despite the calamitous gaffe from Ramsdale, Manchester United legend Gary Neville believes his error is down to Arteta.

Ramsdale has lost his place in the line-up to Raya, with Neville declaring the ex-Sheffield United star is suffering as a result.

Taking to X, he said: "This is what happens when you have 2 keepers eating each other! You put them both under pressure."

Though the majority of fans believe the blame has to lie with the shot-stopper, with Neville's Sky Sports pundit Jame Carragher disagreeing with his view.

He stated: "Arteta has created this pressure on his keepers narrative is nonsense!!!!!

"Arteta should improve on his goalkeeper if he feels it’s right, is he supposed to sell the other one the same day."

Another messaged: "Such errors are inexcusable, no matter how you look at it. Thank you, Declan Rice."

This supporter commented: "Confidence is a weird thing. I feel for Ramsdale. Running out of compliments for Rice though."

Meanwhile another wrote: "That Rice save has me thinking Ramsdale might not even be our 2nd best keeper."

And this fan said: "Ramsdale… this is your chance and you’re doing this. Come on man."

Rice's clearance proved to be pivotal, as Kai Havertz came off the bench to send the Gunners top of the table with a dramatic late winner.

 

[hassan918]

His team is on top of the table, no wonder he is smiling.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1731686199620735310

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Aaron Ramsdale: Mikel Arteta wants Arsenal & England goalkeeper to stay

Manager Mikel Arteta wants England international goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale to stay at Arsenal, despite losing his starting berth to David Raya.

Raya joined the Gunners on loan from Brentford in the summer and has usurped Ramsdale from the number one spot.

Ramsdale, 25, who has won four full England caps, has made only three club appearances across all competitions since early September, and has been linked with Newcastle.

"I want Aaron with us," Arteta said.

"I am very happy to have two very, very good goalkeepers and Aaron is staying with us.

"We want to be better, so we want to add to what we already have. That's the intention that we have."

Ramsdale started all 38 Premier League fixtures in 2022-23 as the Gunners challenged Manchester City in the race for the title.

He was the first choice at the start of 2023-24, starting the opening four league games, but Raya was preferred for the trip to Everton on 17 September and has kept his place.

Since then, Ramsdale has been restricted to two Carabao Cup outings and a Premier League appearance against Brentford, when Raya was ineligible to face his parent club.

Newcastle - whose manager Eddie Howe signed Ramsdale for Bournemouth in 2017 - are reported to be keeping close tabs on the situation, with a potential January bid on the cards after Magpies goalkeeper Nick Pope suffered a suspected dislocated shoulder in Saturday's 1-0 win against Manchester United.

When pushed over whether he could categorically rule out an exit for Ramsdale in next month's transfer window, Arteta added: "I won't do that to any player. Any player.

"I cannot tell you that any Arsenal player is not going to leave in January. Or he is to stay here for the next three years.

"I won't say that no player is going to go to Newcastle. Or no member of the staff either. I won't say it. If you say yes or no, I won't say it.

"I cannot guarantee that nobody is going to be leaving in January. For Newcastle or any other club. So it is a no."

Keeper Ramsdale staying with Arsenal - Arteta

Boss Mikel Arteta wants goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale to stay at Arsenal despite losing his starting place to David Raya.

www.bbc.com

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta speaks after victory against Luton in EPL:

"So happy. We knew it would be a big battle here, we made it hard for ourselves the way we conceded the goals. The spirit of the team, how we fought, showed our quality in the right moments and never gave up. We went for it and got our rewards today."

"Credit to them [Luton]. Their delivery was excellent, the finishing was excellent and sometimes you have to credit the opponent. Big compliments to them, it was a tough night."

Asked about the performance of goalkeeper David Raya, Arteta answered: "I'm so happy with the team. I have spoken with all the team and they are jumping. I'm a really happy manager today."


BBC

 

[FearlessRoar]

Mikel Arteta says he will continue to show emotion on the touchline despite receiving a one-match ban.

The Gunners boss will not be in the dugout for Arsenal's trip to Aston Villa on Saturday after he picked up his third yellow card of the season in Tuesday's dramatic 4-3 win over Luton.

Arteta was judged to have celebrated excessively by referee Samuel Barrott after Declan Rice's late winner.

"I don't know how to stop it," Arteta, 41, said on Friday.

"It was a really emotional moment with everybody bouncing around and you lose sense of where you are and the space you have to be in.

"It was unfortunate as now I cannot be next to my team on the touchline but it is a decision that they make looking strictly at the rules."

The victory ensured Arsenal maintained their place at the top of the Premier League table.

Arteta said he did not want to stop showing emotion on the touchline.

"I would like to be with my players because we work closely every single day to achieve what we want, which is to win the games and when you get those moments in sport you should be able to do that," he said.

"I understand as well that there are certain boundaries and you have to respect that you are at an away ground but if I was given the chance I would be there jumping."

Arteta could face a further ban after he was charged by the Football Association for comments he made following Arsenal's 1-0 defeat by Newcastle in November.

The Spaniard called the video assistant referee's (VAR) decision to allow Newcastle's goal "embarrassing" and a "disgrace".

Source: BBC Sport

Arteta says he won't stop showing emotion despite ban

Mikel Arteta says he does not know how to stop showing emotion after he received a third yellow card of the season during Arsenal's late win at Luton.

www.bbc.com

 

[BouncerGuy]

Arteta on Luiz’s tackle and Kai Havertz’s handball:

“Clear and obvious. That’s my opinion, that’s all I can say”.

“I can only repeat: clear and obvious”.​

 

[BouncerGuy]

Arteta is not looking happy with that tackle from Luiz and a hand ball for Kai Havertz. Has VAR failed?

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Mikel Arteta: Arsenal boss cleared of misconduct charge after Newcastle comments​

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has avoided punishment from the Football Association over comments he made about refereeing following last month's 1-0 defeat by Newcastle.

Arteta called the video assistant referee's decision to allow the Magpies' winning goal at St James' Park "embarrassing" and a "disgrace".

But the FA said that an independent Regulatory Commission found the charge to be not proven after a hearing.

"It was alleged that his comments constituted misconduct in that they were insulting towards match officials and/or detrimental to the game and/or brought the game into disrepute," the FA added in a statement.

In the written reasons for the charge not being proven, it was revealed Arteta claimed that: "The word 'disgrace'...'has a very similar spelling and pronunciation to the Spanish 'desgracia'.

"The Spanish word has connotations of misfortune, tragedy or bad luck rather than the connotations of the English equivalent which suggest contempt, dishonour or disrespect.

"While the English meaning may lead to interpretations of abuse or insult, this was not the intended meaning."

Source : BBC Sports

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says managers and referees must work together to help "make the game better".

Arteta was this week found not guilty of misconduct charges levelled by the Football Association after his comments about Newcastle's controversial winner against Arsenal last month.

The 41-year-old said his hearing had been "a really good, well-run process".

He added: "It's not about 'them', it's 'we'. We want to do the game better. We're all in this together."

Arteta had described the video referee assistant's decision to award Anthony Gordon's winning goal at St James' Park "embarrassing" and "a disgrace".

However, an independent Regulatory Commission accepted the Spaniard's defence that he had not intended to bring the game into disrepute.

"The outcome is I'm not charged but we have to draw a line and look how we can be much more constructive and learn from it and move forward," he said.

"How can we improve on the touchline to make life easier on the players' side? From their [officials'] side, technology-wise, from the clubs as well.

"I'm fully supportive of how we have to improve the game. Refs are a big part of that and they know that. It's not about separate people trying to do their bits. That's not going to work. We have to do it together."

Source : BBC

 

[Amjid Javed]

Time for a new manager, this fraud ain't winning no trophies this season.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Yet another early cup exit.

Enough Is enough now, Arsenal ain't winning PL or CL under this fraud.

Time for him to be sacked.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Is it time to replace Arteta given this poor performance or does he deserve more chances?

 

[Saj]

They should make Ivan Toney their number one priority in this transfer window.

They desperately need a finisher.

 

[Technics 1210]

They should make Ivan Toney their number one priority in this transfer window.

They desperately need a finisher.

Toney has done well with Brentford’s B of late, but it would have to be an unbelievable offer from Arsenal.

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

I think Arsenal are in a sticky situation

They could do with a striker right now and they'd probably prefer Osimhen but that won't happen until the summer

If you get Toney now you'd have to pay quite a bit and that then puts paid to getting Osimhen

 

[Mamoon]

Arteta has done a miraculous job.

For someone who was dismissed as inexperienced and just a Pep number two, he has revived the standards and raised the expectations.

He is the only reason why Arsenal fans are dreaming of winning the league. He is the only reason why finishing second would feel like failure.

Arsenal is a club that let its standards deteriorate and ultimately hit rock- bottom for a club of its size and stature.

Arteta had to rebuild the club not only in terms of performances on the pitch but also change the culture and mentality of the club.

He doesn’t get anywhere near enough credit for the work that he has done. Look at where Arsenal were when he took over and where he is today.

He has spent less money than City (who already had a champion team in 2019) and Chelsea and United. The impact that he has had on the club has been brilliant.

If he could take Arsenal from where they were to this point, he will also take Arsenal from this point to winning the league.

There is no doubt in my mind that Arteta will win the league for Arsenal very soon and all the criticism, toxicity and the eventual saltiness and excuses when he wins the league will make the success far sweeter.

 

[Amjid Javed]

They should make Ivan Toney their number one priority in this transfer window.

They desperately need a finisher.

Need to make a new manager a priority. Even if Ivan toney joins, this manager won't get best out of him.

 

[Amjid Javed]

I think Arsenal are in a sticky situation

They could do with a striker right now and they'd probably prefer Osimhen but that won't happen until the summer

If you get Toney now you'd have to pay quite a bit and that then puts paid to getting Osimhen

Arsenal ain't getting oshimen, that's just a deluded pipe dream. With this clubs pathetic recruitment Dominic solanke or calvert-lewin are more likely to be signed under this clueless pairing of Arteta and edu.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Toney has done well with Brentford’s B of late, but it would have to be an unbelievable offer from Arsenal.

With your other two strikers going to Afcons, it would be foolish for Brentford to sell unless its a stupidly high offer or players are offered in return.

So you have the right to demand a huge amount

 

[Amjid Javed]

Is it time to replace Arteta given this poor performance or does he deserve more chances?

View attachment 141119

Should have been sacked a long time ago.

This Club has no accountability so will keep this fraud in a job

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Arteta feels they should have been the winners. Your thoughts guys..

https://twitter.com/x/status/1744096196145086895

 

[aboveandbeyond]

Had Arsenal taken their chances then there's no doubt they would have won.

How ever, they didn't, and apparently Liverpool were missing up to 11 first teamers.

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

Arteta feels they should have been the winners. Your thoughts guys..

https://twitter.com/x/status/1744096196145086895

I'm not fan of Arteta, can't stand the guy but he's right in that they had the chances, lots of them

However, football is not won on chances, you have to score

I always feel when a team creates lots of chances it's difficult to criticise a coach because it's quite clearly not a coaching issue

Having said that, when the bulk of the chances fall to a misfiring Havertz then Arteta needs to be criticised, he is the one that pushed for that transfer and he has to take responsibility for it

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

Had Arsenal taken their chances then there's no doubt they would have won.

How ever, they didn't, and apparently Liverpool were missing up to 11 first teamers.

They weren't missing 11 first teamers, off the top of my head the players that would ordinarily start would be Salah, VVD, Robertson and Szoboszlai

It was definitely a weaker Liverpool side and it did show in their performance, especially the first half and Arsenal should rightly see this as a missed opportunity

 

[BouncerGuy]

Arteta compares Arsenal’s results to an onion as he looks for recipe for success

Mikel Arteta has compared Arsenal’s disappointing run of results to an onion and is confident his side’s “phenomenal” mid-season break can reignite their title challenge.

Successive defeats against West Ham and Fulham at the end of last year have seen Arsenal slip to fourth, and last season’s runners-up have won only one of their past seven matches in all competitions. Arteta’s side face a Crystal Palace team similarly out of form on Saturday after a week in Dubai that the Arsenal manager believes has helped to “recharge the batteries” of his players.

Although Arteta was positive about Arsenal’s chances of overhauling Liverpool’s five-point gap at the top given that the statistics show they are creating more opportunities than their rivals, the Spaniard admitted that he and his staff had been scratching their heads to find a way of improving the most important stat of all: scoring goals.

“You look at all the data and it is Arsenal, Arsenal, Arsenal at the top, at the top, at the top,” Arteta said. “The reality is that we haven’t won enough matches. There is something underneath that: it is like an onion, the first layer, second layer … we have to go to the bottom of it to understand actually what is making us win or lose.

“It is the small details, the margins, and then the boxes have played a big part of that. We have to change that. As a coach, you think: ‘Yeah, do that and that’s what will happen …’ It’s not. We have to find something else to win.”

The Premier League’s spending restrictions mean that appears unlikely to come in the transfer market despite Arsenal’s long-term interest in Brentford’s Ivan Toney, who returns on Saturday after his eight-month ban for gambling and is a more realistic target for the summer. It was perhaps telling that Arteta refused to answer when asked which position he could sign a player in if money were no object, insisting: “I love the players that we have.” But the manager did reveal Arsenal had been taking what he described as a “holistic approach” to improve their finishing, which included allowing the players to bring their families to Dubai to share “togetherness and moments”.

“They are part of us,” Arteta said. “They live with us. Maybe they are not in the building every day but they live our professional lives, our success and failures every day. They need to be recognised. They need to be present and for me it’s part of the best moments that we had. We always try to take a holistic approach and look at every aspect that can be affecting the players in a positive or negative way.”

Arteta played down interest from West Ham in taking Emile Smith Rowe on loan and was upbeat about Jurrien Timber’s chances of featuring again this season after the £34m summer signing stepped up his rehabilitation in Dubai.
​

THE GUARDIAN

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Mikel Arteta could walk away from Arsenal at the end of the season, according to a sensational new report from Spain.

Days after Jurgen Klopp announced he would leave Liverpool in a matter of months, Arteta could be the latest big-name Premier League manager to quit their role.

Sport, a publication based in Catalonia, have claimed that Arteta has told those close to him that he is considering stepping away from his post early.

Arteta is tied down to a contract running until 2025, though the same outlet add his strong relationship with Arsenal's board may allow him to break his existing deal.

Despite Barcelona boss Xavi also revealing he will leave the Nou Camp at the end of the campaign, it is thought the timing of Arteta's rumoured decision is coincidental.

Arteta 'has no plans to leave Arsenal' despite out-of-the-blue reports

Mikel Arteta has no plans to leave Arsenal this summer, despite a sensational report in Spain claiming he could walk away at the end of the season. Barcelona-based Sport made the claim.

www.dailymail.co.uk

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Mikel Arteta could walk away from Arsenal at the end of the season, according to a sensational new report from Spain.

Days after Jurgen Klopp announced he would leave Liverpool in a matter of months, Arteta could be the latest big-name Premier League manager to quit their role.

Sport, a publication based in Catalonia, have claimed that Arteta has told those close to him that he is considering stepping away from his post early.

Arteta is tied down to a contract running until 2025, though the same outlet add his strong relationship with Arsenal's board may allow him to break his existing deal.

Despite Barcelona boss Xavi also revealing he will leave the Nou Camp at the end of the campaign, it is thought the timing of Arteta's rumoured decision is coincidental.

Arteta 'has no plans to leave Arsenal' despite out-of-the-blue reports

Mikel Arteta has no plans to leave Arsenal this summer, despite a sensational report in Spain claiming he could walk away at the end of the season. Barcelona-based Sport made the claim.

www.dailymail.co.uk

Mikel Arteta has no plans to leave Arsenal at the end of the season, Sky Sports News has been told.

Reports in Spain today have suggested that the Gunners boss intends to step down in the summer, with a number of outlets linking him to the Barcelona job.

 

[MenInG]

Mikel Arteta has no plans to leave Arsenal at the end of the season, Sky Sports News has been told.

Reports in Spain today have suggested that the Gunners boss intends to step down in the summer, with a number of outlets linking him to the Barcelona job.

The original report regarding which the denial above came:


==


A major update on the future of Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta, which could yet have major implications for Barcelona, has come to the fore late this evening.

The info comes courtesy of Diario Sport, who point towards Arteta giving serious consideration to bringing an imminent close to the Arsenal chapter of his managerial career.

In the same week that saw both Jürgen Klopp and Xavi confirm their respective decisions to step down in the summer, Arsenal’s boss has now been tipped to do the same.

Arteta, it is claimed, has ‘already communicated’ to his entourage his readiness for a new adventure.

This comes as the rigours of Premier League management begin to ‘take their toll’ on the former Gunners midfielder.

As of yet, Barcelona have not made contact with either Arteta or his agents, regarding the possibility of bringing the tactician back to Catalunya.

But news of his apparent eagerness for a new challenge does line up suspiciously well with the news of Xavi’s imminent departure.

Significantly, it is also added that Blaugrana president Joan Laporta has long held Arteta in high regard, of the opinion that the 41-year-old boasts all of the qualities to one day take up the reins at the Camp Nou.

Mikel Arteta ‘considering terminating contract’ with Arsenal amid Barcelona links

Read this news on OneFootball.

onefootball.com

 

[MenInG]

Mikel Arteta has no plans to leave Arsenal at the end of the season, Sky Sports News has been told.

Reports in Spain today have suggested that the Gunners boss intends to step down in the summer, with a number of outlets linking him to the Barcelona job.

Just in case some missed this!

 

[Amjid Javed]

Just in case some missed this!

The failure and mediocrity will continue at the club

 

[MenInG]

Good to see him happy

 

[Mamoon]

Best young manager in the world.

Both Pep and Klopp came to the Emirates and left with nothing.

 

[MenInG]

Arteta setting up for the Newcastle game

https://twitter.com/x/status/1761307311673409975

 

[Mamoon]

Should have been sacked a long time ago.

This Club has no accountability so will keep this fraud in a job

So when do you want the fraud to be sacked and who should replace him?

 

[Mamoon]

Not surprised that this thread has died out. What a shut up call and humbling dished out by Arteta.

This thread would have been right at the top if Arsenal were losing right now. The haters are ducking for cover.

 

[Mamoon]

Arsenal back to their normal self next season, pushing and jostling for a European spot, not the title.

Genius insight. I think you’d fit right in as a pundit on Sky.

 

[MenInG]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1764937622076391610

 

[FearlessRoar]

Every word from Mikel's post-Brentford presser​

After seeing his team dig deep to find a late winner and beat Brentford 2-1 at Emirates Stadium, Mikel Arteta chatted to the journalists in attendance about our eighth league win in a row.

He was asked about individual displays, Kai Havertz's impressive form and the quick turnaround ahead of the visit of Porto on Tuesday among many topics.

Here is everything he had to say:

on winning the game late:

It felt great, obviously we had to dig in and earn the right to win it, but I’m really pleased with the performance, the maturity, the emotional control that we showed, and how we overcame difficulties. If you want to be up there, you have to win these types of games and the team showed that it has the tools and especially the determination, and the belief to do so.

on Kai Havertz proving his critics wrong:

I am so happy. If someone told me that after the first two or three months the whole stadium is singing his song with that passion, with that feeling, with that chemistry, it would be hard to believe, but that’s what happens to good people and an exceptional player.

on Aaron Ramsdale’s performance:

Really happy, especially because he did exactly what he is, which is a person with a huge personality and courage, very determined. An error is part of football, it’s hard to react about it, especially for the keepers because it’s probably the most difficult position but he did it in an amazing way. I am not surprised because the whole team and whole stadium was behind him. He has that respect and admiration and really wanted to win for him that moment and he really helped us to win the game.

on what it takes to win eight matches in a row:

There’s a lot of qualities that you need to win that many games in this league and manner in which we have done it, but it is about consistency as you’ve mentioned, and not being satisfied and willing to do more, and as well having the qualities to gain in different context because every game is going to require different process, different story and the team showed a different one today.

on the quick turnaround to face Porto in the Champions League on Tuesday:

Yeah but this stadium is going to have the energy that you have never seen in your life, because we haven’t done it for 14 years. Bring your noise, bring your energy, your passion into that stadium and something beautiful is going to happen.

on how he helps keep the team living in the moment:

Just playing every single game the way we do, analyse the game and try to be better tomorrow, recover well, eat well and sleep well. Live our life, our profession in the manner that we are at the moment, and when you are in a good moment, enjoy it, embrace it and make sure you are prepared for the next one because that’s the moment to build on what we want to do.

on Declan Rice’s consistently high level of performance:

He’s playing at a very consistent and excellent level in different positions, in a new club. There’s a lot of things that have to go together and it’s not easy, he’s done it with such determination, with the passion and quality that he knows he plays the game and understands the game, and he’s delivering some big moments for us.

on the moment where things started to click for Havertz:

Especially from the outside maybe, because in industries like this, it was the moment he started to score the goals. And everything started to flow, people started to feel more connected with him and they see the work rate, they see his intelligence, we see how he plays for the team, and he’s contributing. It’s impossible not to love him.

on keeping the pressure on Liverpool and Manchester City:

I wish it was different [about it not being to do with us] and tomorrow I could take my remote and change a few things when I want to! By I’m going to enjoy, not only that game, but tomorrow there are three magnificent games to watch, and we’ll enjoy tonight. Tomorrow, we’ll start to prepare for Porto and just feel the gravity of the position that we are in and being a part of this incredible league. That’s the way I’ll watch the games.

on his favourite late winner as Arsenal manager:

It’s tonight because it’s the present and the most important one and in the manner that we’ve done it. You have to be able to win games in those minutes, you want to be there, and we’ve done it tonight.

Every word from Mikel's post-Brentford presser

Find out what questions were thrown at the manager following our game against the Bees at Emirates Stadium

www.arsenal.com

 

[Kroll]

Genius insight. I think you’d fit right in as a pundit on Sky.

Still ain't winning the title and sorry bro, you shouldn't be taking digs at me cos I beat you fair and square when it came to **** last season.

 

[Kianig89]

Exceptional work by Arteta winning the league would be a jackpot

 

[WengerOut]

Arteta has been very good in a relentless league. Winning the league would be an icing. Even if not he has made sure that Arsenal demands respect from big teams. A lot of trigger happy fans here has been bigging up the new toy in town, Xabi Alonso, to slag off Arteta. EPL is a completely different kettle of fish. Just ask Andres Villas Boas, ETH etc...

 

[Amjid Javed]

Arteta has been very good in a relentless league. Winning the league would be an icing. Even if not he has made sure that Arsenal demands respect from big teams. A lot of trigger happy fans here has been bigging up the new toy in town, Xabi Alonso, to slag off Arteta. EPL is a completely different kettle of fish. Just ask Andres Villas Boas, ETH etc...

Alonso is not only doing well in the league in his 1st season, he's done well in Europe as well. Leverkusen are in the 1/4 finals of europa league and 2nd favs to win it. Same europa league a certain manager got humilated in by Olympiakos, villareal and sporting Lisbon.

All this Arteta over hype in which he's won nothing since winning the FA Cup, and most of his fans boys using disclaimers like "it's a bonus if he wins the league"

Xavi at Barca has won the league as well and is a younger manager. Is that going to be dismissed as well.

Give a manager credit by all means but this "best" tag is not good when no trophies are there to show for it.

 

[WengerOut]

Alonso is not only doing well in the league in his 1st season, he's done well in Europe as well. Leverkusen are in the 1/4 finals of europa league and 2nd favs to win it. Same europa league a certain manager got humilated in by Olympiakos, villareal and sporting Lisbon.

All this Arteta over hype in which he's won nothing since winning the FA Cup, and most of his fans boys using disclaimers like "it's a bonus if he wins the league"

Xavi at Barca has won the league as well and is a younger manager. Is that going to be dismissed as well.

Give a manager credit by all means but this "best" tag is not good when no trophies are there to show for it.

Clearly flew over your head. If Xabi is the best young manager in the world, so be it. Will be interesting if he loses to West Ham in Europa.