TalkSPORT host Alex Crooks has voiced his displeasure over the fact Mikel Arteta is getting an easy ride over the Arsenal’s current run of poor form.
The Gunners, once again, failed to win in the Premier League as they held Leeds United to a 0-0 draw in a game where they had Nicolas Pepe sent off for a headbutt.
Despite the red card, Crooks wasn’t sure over the lack of criticism Arteta’s facing from the media compared to a ‘big six’ managerial rival.
He said: “I think we can all agree that United have had a poor start to the season. We’ve dished out plenty of stick to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on this programme.”
“But you know, obviously Ole’s had a lot of scrutiny, but yeah, questions do have to be asked of Arteta. I suppose the difference is that he has delivered a trophy, that FA Cup win at the end of last season.”
“But yeah, 11th in the table, negative goal difference, long time since they scored from open play. Aubameyang seems to have completely forgotten where the back of the net is. I think it is concerning.” (via talkSPORT)
Should Arsenal sack Arteta?
Yes
No
Crooks raises some very valid points here, just how is Arteta escaping mass criticism for problems he has been the cause of?
Arsenal lack any sort of creativity and a raft of attacking stars look to have lost mass amounts of confidence due to what can only be described as robotic tactics.
Prior to yesterday, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had no shots against Aston Villa and was almost exclusively stuck out on the left-wing. Willian and Pepe’s confidence also seems to be shot with neither taking on their man when picking up the ball in the final third.
However, it’s Alexandre Lacazette, who is proving to be the most concerning of the quartet. The Frenchman started the season on fire with three goals in his first three league games, however, his finishing in recent outings has been questionable to say the least. Could it be that Arteta making him focus too much on things other than finishing is hampering the 29-year-old?
That was the opinion of former Highbury man Kevin Campbell, who claimed Joe Willock should be used to make Lacazette’s job ‘50% easier’.
And last but definitely not least, the issue surrounding Mesut Ozil is nothing short of embarrassing. The German was left out of the league squad entirely back in October, and according to the Spaniard, he gave Ozil opportunities to impress him.
That seems to be a lie given how well the 32-year-old was performing before the first lockdown back in March. Football returned midway through June, however, the former Germany international didn’t as he was shunned to the sidelines.
Arteta’s poor management has led Arsenal to four games without a win in their last five in the top-flight. He must be held responsible for his tactics and starting line-ups which have only worked to harm the north London outfit.
In other news, Paul Merson allayed his fears over this summer signing.
