Mikel Arteta’s biggest flaw exposed as ex-England star makes ‘best manager’ claim
Mikel Arteta’s tactics at Arsenal have been put under the microscope by one former England international midfielder.
Arteta is under increasing scrutiny at Arsenal as the Spaniard looks to secure his first trophy in six seasons.
Arsenal spent heavily this summer to back Arteta, bringing in Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze to bolster the squad.
Gyokeres has underwhelmed in his early days at The Emirates, with Madueke looking to replicate his England form when he returns from international duty.
Mikel Arteta criticised for one key flaw
As Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard look set to return from injury, Arteta will have a strong bench to turn to if needed against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
However, former England midfielder Fara Williams has highlighted one of Arteta’s key flaws, that she believes holds the 43-year-old back.
Williams spoke on talkSPORT about Arteta, saying: “He’s changed the dynamic at Arsenal, when you look at their rebuild, getting them in the top four consistently.
“But when you look at those game changing moments, the best managers change things before happen and they get on the back foot or concede.
“He seems to wait until they’re on the back foot and then he reacts to it, he’s very reactive,” the ex-England star suggested.
Mikel Arteta’s strong squad leaves him with no excuses
Arteta’s strong bench may have not been utilised by the ex-Everton man to this point, but no one can deny the strength of the options he has to turn to if needed.
With added depth and a strong squad, though, comes added expectations, and Arteta will have mounted expectations on him in the comings weeks.
| Arsenal’s bench vs Liverpool |
| Kepa Arrizabalaga |
| Max Dowman |
| Eberechi Eze |
| Andre Harriman-Annous |
| Myles Lewis-Skelley |
| Cristhian Mosquera |
| Ethan Nwaneri |
| Leandro Trossard |
| Martin Odegaard |
Past seasons have derailed quickly with Arteta focussing on Arsenal’s injuries as the reason for their failings in Premier League title races over the last two years.
With the strength in depth that Arteta has been given this season, there can be no excuses for Arsenal not to challenge for titles and win some silverware this campaign.