Arsenal have suffered a series of setbacks in recent weeks, crashing out of both domestic cup competitions. The Gunners lost 2-0 to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley and were then eliminated from the FA Cup with a 2-1 defeat to Southampton in the quarter-finals. Their struggles extended to the Premier League, where they lost 2-1 at home to Bournemouth. These consecutive defeats have intensified scrutiny on the team and its management.
Manager Mikel Arteta has clashed with several Arsenal players during his tenure at the club. The most high-profile dispute involved former captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Aubameyang lost his place in Arteta's plans in December 2021 after returning late from an authorized visit to see his unwell mother in France. According to Daily Mirror - Main, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang described the incident, saying he should have returned earlier but was preoccupied with his mother's situation. This followed a previous dispute in March 2021 when Aubameyang turned up late for a squad meeting before the north London derby. According to Daily Mirror - Main, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang described Arteta's reaction, saying the manager accused him of betrayal despite knowing the personal struggles he was facing. Aubameyang moved to Barcelona in February 2022 after departing Arsenal by mutual agreement.
"My mistake. I should have come back the night before, but I arrived in the morning. I didn't tell them that I would miss the flight because I was preoccupied with my mum's stuff."
The current squad is grappling with injury concerns and form issues. Martin Ødegaard and Leandro Trossard are doubtful for Arsenal's upcoming match against Everton, according to other reports. The true nature and severity of Martin Ødegaard's recurring knee injury remains unclear. According to Daily Mirror - Football (major_media) [represents 2 similar sources], Steffen Iversen described the situation, suggesting Arsenal could be keeping details of the injury secret. Former Arsenal defender Nigel Winterburn has voiced worries about Leandro Trossard's recent performances since returning from injury. Trossard has not scored in any competition since December. In a recent match, Gabriel Martinelli pushed referee Sam Barrott during the loss to Southampton and received a yellow card. Martinelli has scored just once in the Premier League this season, raising questions about whether he will regain his previous form or be replaced in the starting lineup.
Transfer speculation is mounting as pundits suggest potential squad changes. Arsenal showed interest in signing Barcelona's Dani Olmo, but he rejected them. The club has been linked with a move for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia or Bradley Barcola as a left winger, though it is unknown which left winger, if any, Arsenal will sign in the summer. According to Metro - Main, Steven Gerrard described the left-wing position as an area for potential improvement, suggesting Arsenal might look for a player there. According to Metro - Main, William Gallas advised Arteta to replace Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, suggesting the team needs a new left winger and expressed a preference for Bradley Barcola. According to Metro - Main, Marco Materazzi urged Arteta to drop William Saliba and start Riccardo Calafiori at centre-back, praising the Italian defender's abilities.
"He said I could not do this because I was the captain and it was not acceptable. He said I gave him a knife in his back; I don't know why he said that. I was really p***** off because it was not true and he knew why I flew. He knew the reason and what was happening, he knew I was struggling that year. I was expecting help from him, not killing me like this."
High-profile pundits have weighed in on the pressure surrounding Arteta. According to Daily Mirror - Main, Robert Pires described a scenario where Arteta would 'definitely' be sacked if Arsenal don't win the Premier League this season, citing the manager's five-year tenure and significant summer investment. It remains unknown whether Arteta will be sacked if Arsenal fail to win the Premier League this season. According to Metro - Main, Rio Ferdinand described a more cautious view, warning Arsenal supporters calling for Arteta's sacking to 'be careful what you wish for', highlighting the club's improved consistency and Champions League qualification under the manager.
Despite the turmoil, Arsenal maintain a nine-point lead over Manchester City in the Premier League, though City have a game in hand. Viktor Gyokeres has scored 17 goals in all competitions for Arsenal this season, providing a key attacking outlet. The team faces Sporting CP in the Champions League quarter-finals, a crucial test of their European ambitions. How Arsenal's injury crisis will affect their performance in the remaining Premier League and Champions League matches is a significant unknown. Manager Mikel Arteta addressed the fitness concerns, stating, 'We have to see. We have to wait and see and talk to the doctors about whether they are involved or not.'
"It depends on what’s going on inside the knee. We on the outside don’t get to know everything. They always keep something secret. It could be things that aren’t good. Then he’s come back. It feels OK. And yet, it’s not quite right after all."
"In my opinion, if Arsenal don’t win a trophy this year, the management will consider finding another coach. He’s been here for five years and unfortunately, the title has eluded him. What’s important for the fans is the league title. Money was spent in the summer transfer window. He made certain demands, which the Arsenal board has met. If Arsenal don’t win the league, I think there will definitely be a change on the bench."
"I would be careful what you wish for if I was an Arsenal fan if you think getting rid of Arteta is the best thing you guys could do. You have to remember where you guys were when he came. You guys are consistently qualifying for the Champions League, you weren’t before Arteta came. You’re finishing second most of the time, fighting for the Premier League year in, year out."
"I think Arsenal will potentially go for a player on the left. I don’t think Gabriel Martinelli has been as good as he was previously maybe and Leandro Trossard is a good player but that is an area they might look at in terms of how to get the team and squad better."
"Maybe you need a left winger because I don’t know what has happened to Gabriel Martinelli, he’s just not what he was, and Leandro Trossard is a good squad player but you need something else. Would I prefer Khvicha Kvaratskhelia or Bradley Barcola for Arsenal? Barcola."
"I think Riccardo Calafiori is one of the best Italian defenders right now. He grew very fast when he was at Bologna. Now Arsenal must believe in him. The best way for Arsenal is for Calafiori to be allowed to play his best football. For me, Calafiori is best at centre-back. Arsenal should play Calafiori with Gabriel instead of William Saliba. He has a very good left foot."
"We have to see. We have to wait and see and talk to the doctors about whether they are involved or not."