Mikel Arteta’s reign at Arsenal has been one of promise and potential, but as the Gunners sit on the brink of another trophy-less season, questions surrounding his future are louder than ever. Five years into his tenure, has Arteta done enough to justify his continued leadership of the club?
The Highs: FA Cup Glory and Title Challenges
Appointed in December 2019, Arteta wasted no time in making an impact, guiding Arsenal to an FA Cup victory in his first season. That triumph was seen as a springboard for bigger success, a sign that the Gunners were on the right track after years of inconsistency.
In recent seasons, Arsenal’s performances in the Premier League have shown significant improvement. Consecutive title challenges against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City demonstrated Arteta’s ability to elevate the team. However, both campaigns ended in heartbreak, with City’s machine-like efficiency proving too much for Arsenal to overcome.
The Lows: Missed Opportunities and Key Failures
Despite these strides, Arsenal’s inability to convert potential into tangible success has become a recurring theme. The Carabao Cup semi-final loss to Newcastle this season was another painful reminder of the team’s shortcomings in high-stakes moments. Arsenal’s attack, once their hallmark, has sputtered - managing just one goal from 49 shots across two key cup ties.
Additionally, Arsenal’s failure to secure a top-tier striker has been a significant issue. While Gabriel Jesus has performed admirably when fit, the lack of a prolific goal scorer to lead the line has hindered the team in crucial moments
Injuries have undoubtedly played a role. Losing Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus for extended periods has left the team short on firepower. But the reliance on a few key players raises deeper questions about squad depth and recruitment. Calls for acquiring talents such as Alexander Isak have grown louder, with pundits and fans urging the club to invest heavily to bolster the attack.
One of the most glaring criticisms of Arteta’s tenure has been Arsenal’s struggles in the transfer market. The high-profile signing of Kai Havertz from Chelsea has so far failed to pay dividends, with the German midfielder struggling to make an impact. His lack of consistency and inability to become a regular goalscorer for Arsenal have made him a target for criticism.
Arsenal’s fanbase is growing restless. An FA Cup win and two title challenges in five years might be commendable for some, but for a club of Arsenal’s stature, it may not be not enough.
What’s Next for Arsenal and Arteta?
The next few months could define Arteta’s Arsenal legacy. The North London Derby against Tottenham looms large this week, and failure to secure a positive result could intensify the pressure. With his contract running until 2025, Arteta still has time to turn things around, but the margin for error is slim.
Arteta has given Arsenal moments of hope and pride, but hope is no longer enough. If Arsenal fail to lift silverware this season, it may be time for a new voice at the Emirates. The Gunners are a club with a rich history and lofty ambitions, and their manager must deliver more than promise, they must deliver trophies.
Ultimately, Arteta’s tenure will be judged by his ability to bridge the gap between potential and achievement. Success in football is often defined by silverware, and for a club like Arsenal, second place is little consolation. If Arteta departs without significant trophies to his name, his legacy will be that of a manager who steadied the ship but failed to steer it to glory. Conversely, should he finally bring Arsenal back to the summit, his reign could be remembered as the moment the Gunners reclaimed their place among Europe’s elite.
