Mikel Arteta, Riccardo Calafiori, William Saliba and Mikel Merino (Photo by Alex Pantling, Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
Arsenal have been criticized for regressing and becoming boring to watch under Mikel Arteta, and journalist John Cross hit out at the team after yesterday’s defeat to Manchester United.
The Gunners drew 1-1 with the Red Devils but lost on penalties as they were dumped out of the FA Cup third round at the Emirates Stadium, once again missing the chance to win a little of silver
This result also followed a 2-0 defeat at home to Newcastle in midweek, which leaves Arsenal’s Carabao Cup hopes hanging in the balance as they now travel to St James’ Park with a mountain to climb for the return leg.
See below how the Mirror’s John Cross tackles Arsenal’s poor work in the transfer market which has contributed to their slump this season, highlighting the injury-prone Riccardo Calafiori and the underwhelming Mikel Merino…
Arsenal were great fun to watch for two seasons. Last summer they signed a workmanlike midfielder and a left-back who has been prone to injury. They went backwards. Arteta has done it all for control rather than style and excitement. And it’s boring and it doesn’t work.
— John Cross (@johncrossmirror) January 12, 2025
This will resonate with some Arsenal fans, but at the same time it is perhaps unfair to ignore the injuries the team have had to deal with this season.
While the club’s summer window could certainly have been better, it’s also likely that they wouldn’t be struggling as much right now if Bukayo Saka, Ben White, Riccardo Calafiori and Ethan Nwaneri were fit and available.
What’s next for Arsenal?
There is surely still some hope for Arsenal in the coming weeks and months as they remain in contention, albeit as outsiders, in both the Premier League and the Champions League.
The north London giants face rivals Tottenham next and will surely be favorites to win it as Spurs haven’t been in particularly great form recently either.
However, there is also clearly the possibility that this could go terribly wrong, so fans will be hoping that signings can be made between now and the end of January in an attempt to save the season.
