Arsenal's recent cup campaigns ended in frustration with back-to-back defeats. The team lost 2-0 to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley and then suffered a 2-1 loss to Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-finals. Their domestic form also stumbled with a 2-1 home defeat to Bournemouth last week, compounding the sense of missed opportunities in knockout competitions.
Manager Mikel Arteta has clashed with several Arsenal players during his tenure. One notable incident involved Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who lost his place in Arteta's plans in December 2021 after returning late from an authorized visit to see his unwell mother in France. Aubameyang moved to Barcelona in February 2022 after departing Arsenal by mutual agreement. Another flashpoint occurred with Matteo Guendouzi, who was involved in triggering a mass bust-up at the Amex Stadium in June 2020.
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.
Current squad issues are adding to Arteta's challenges. Martin Odegaard has been in and out of the side all season long due to various injuries. Leandro Trossard has not scored in any competition since December and was pulled out of the Belgium squad during the international break. Gabriel Martinelli has scored just once in the Premier League this season, and during the loss at Southampton, he pushed referee Sam Barrott and received a yellow card. Martin Odegaard and Leandro Trossard are doubtful for Arsenal's upcoming match against Everton. Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, and Gabriel were left out of Arsenal's squad for a recent match due to injury issues.
Despite these setbacks, Arsenal maintain a strong position in the Premier League with a nine-point lead over Manchester City. The team also faces Sporting CP in the Champions League quarter-finals, offering a chance for silverware.
Come with me. This is where he started shouting. 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.
Transfer speculation is already swirling as Arsenal consider squad improvements. Viktor Gyokeres has scored 17 goals in all competitions this season. Arsenal showed interest in signing Barcelona's Dani Olmo.
When I'm late, it's my fault - no problem. I always said sorry. But in this case, I'll never say sorry. For taking my mum from Laval to London? No. Even if I came a day late, I would never say sorry. You understand or you don't. If not, don't give a day off or tell people they cannot fly.