Matthew Upson backs Mikel Arteta amid Arsenal’s trophy drought
Former Arsenal defender Matthew Upson believes Mikel Arteta shouldn’t face dismissal even if the club ends the season without silverware, as the Gunners find themselves at the top of the Premier League table, three points ahead of Manchester City, with City holding a game in hand, reports BritPanorama.
Just over a month ago, Arsenal were in a strong position to claim the title but have since stumbled with disappointing results, including losses to Bournemouth and Manchester City in both home and away fixtures. This has raised doubts about their prospects of winning the league for the first time since 2004.
In addition to their domestic pursuits, Arsenal is aiming for success on the European front. They stand just 90 minutes away from reaching their first Champions League final in two decades, having drawn 1-1 with Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the semi-finals earlier this week.
Arteta’s only trophy to date was the 2020 FA Cup, which he secured with a squad left to him by former manager Unai Emery. This lingering question about his capability to lead the team has sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike.
Upson insists that Arteta is crucial for Arsenal’s future, irrespective of the season’s outcomes. “Should Arsenal not win anything, Mikel Arteta will probably be feeling it the most having been in such a good position in all four competitions this season,” he remarked. “They have led most of the season and if they don’t win anything, he may review himself at the end, as Arsenal have been so close now to lifting the main silverware,” he added.
Reflecting on Arteta’s impact, Upson noted that the team’s progress under his management speaks volumes. “You position that from when he took over and it’s totally different,” he stated, emphasizing the club’s transformation as they vie at the top of both the Premier League and the Champions League.
Despite recent criticisms of Arsenal’s playing style, Upson defended Arteta. “I have no reason to criticise the way Arsenal play. They are top of the Premier League, they topped the Champions League table too,” he commented, recognizing the effectiveness of the team’s strategy earlier in the season, despite a recent drop in form.
Another topic of discussion is striker Viktor Gyokeres, who has contributed 19 goals across all competitions but lacks finesse in key moments. Upson acknowledged this gap and stressed that Arsenal must determine their requirements for a number nine going forward. “I think Arsenal need to decide what they want from a number nine,” he asserted, pointing to the need for a world-class forward as they look to build on their successful squad.
While questions remain about specific areas of improvement, the spotlight on Arteta underscores the complexities of managing a team in pursuit of success. As the season approaches its climax, Arsenal’s journey reflects the intricacies of ambition and expectation in elite football.
