Has Arteta’s Arsenal Already Reached Its Peak? Carragher Questions
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Synopsis
As Mikel Arteta navigates his fifth year at Arsenal, questions arise regarding whether the heights of his tenure have already been reached. With crucial matches ahead and injuries impacting the squad, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher shares insights on the club's current state and future prospects.
Key Takeaways
- Mikel Arteta has been under scrutiny as Arsenal struggles.
- The team has finished second in the Premier League for two consecutive seasons.
- Arsenal faces crucial matches against Aston Villa and others.
- Injuries to key players like Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka are impacting performance.
- Another striker is essential for title contention.
New Delhi, Jan 17 (NationPress) It has been five years since Mikel Arteta took the helm at Arsenal and secured the FA Cup in 2020. Nevertheless, the Spaniard is facing criticism lately as the team struggles in various competitions. Jamie Carragher, the Liverpool legend, has posed the question, 'Have we already seen the pinnacle of Arteta's tenure at Arsenal?'
The team has finished second in the last two Premier League seasons and currently sits four points behind Liverpool in the title chase, with the Merseyside club holding a game in hand. Furthermore, Arsenal has been ousted from the FA Cup by Manchester United and trails Newcastle United 0-2 after the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
“Have we already witnessed the peak years of Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal reign? It seems this Emirates era is approaching a critical juncture, with Arsenal in the midst of a high-stakes competition.
“This could either be one of the most remarkable seasons in the club’s history – ending a 21-year drought for the Premier League title – or a season that concludes with a charged post-season examination into how they squandered their best chance at becoming champions in two decades. For now, Arsenal is barely doing enough to keep the optimists aboard the Arteta train. However, emotions are on edge,” Carragher wrote in a column for The Telegraph.
Arsenal went through a phase of three consecutive games without a victory before an impressive performance against Tottenham Hotspur, where the Gunners secured a vital 2-1 win. However, Carragher indicated that the upcoming match against Aston Villa would be a significant victory for the North London squad.
Arsenal was a point ahead of Manchester City in the 2023-24 PL season before their defeat against Aston Villa, their only loss in the latter half of the season, which caused them to miss the league title by a mere two points.
“Now they require a series of standout performances and victories to demonstrate their title credentials. With all due respect, defeating a lackluster Tottenham Hotspur team that resembles a youth academy side is not a statement. Wednesday's victory was crucial, but not particularly impressive.
“A win over Aston Villa this weekend, on the other hand, will carry more symbolism and significance. There are ghosts to confront against Villa. Unai Emery hampered his former club’s title aspirations last April, with a 2-0 victory draining the belief from the home fans. Had Arsenal clinched victory that day, they would have secured the title,” Carragher added.
The primary concern for the Gunners will be the absence of attacking strength. They did not make any attacking signings at the season's start and now face a void in that position. With Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka sidelined due to injuries, the Gunners are expected to explore the January transfer window for potential solutions.
Carragher concluded by emphasizing that Arsenal cannot secure the league title without another striker. “Arsenal cannot win the title without an additional attacker. This was true even before the injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus. If they do not respond before the end of this month, it will be a serious oversight, as relying on a strikeforce of Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Martinelli will not suffice.”
