“To win football matches, we must create more,” expressed a desperate Mikel Arteta on the evening of December 19, 2020.
The inexperienced Arsenal manager had just witnessed his team lose 2-1 at Goodison Park, his former home. Yerry Mina’s goal in stoppage time of the first half led to the Gunners’ worst start to a league season since 1974/75.
The recent success of Arsenal makes the early Arteta era seem like a distant memory. They faced significant challenges and crises, including the defeat at Everton that almost cost Arteta his job. A resurgence led by Emile Smith Rowe saved him from being replaced by Massimiliano Allegri.
The problems Arteta encountered at the start of his tenure were substantial. He had to deal with an underperforming squad and unstable fanbase. The transformation he has overseen has been remarkable, and if he completes his contract, he will have spent eight years at Arsenal.
Contrary to the media narrative, the upcoming period is not the biggest challenge of Arteta’s career. Suggestions of crisis before the north London derby are exaggerated.
The absence of three midfielders is not a major crisis for Arsenal. Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, and Mikel Merino are unavailable for different reasons, but the team has enough quality to cope without them.
Arsenal is currently without three midfielders.
Despite the absence of key players, Arsenal’s depth and quality should enable them to overcome this challenge.
Arteta’s team is well-equipped to handle such setbacks, with experienced players ready to step up in the absence of their teammates.
Arsenal’s strength as a team should not be compromised by a few absences.
Injuries are a part of the game, and top teams like Arsenal must adapt and continue to perform at a high level.
Arteta and Arsenal have faced far greater challenges in the past and are well-prepared to handle the current situation.