Even the most optimistic Gunner and Mikel Arteta fans aren’t believers in an Arsenal title push. Liverpool is winning the Premier League. Maybe the fanbase would feel better if it weren’t for injuries. But it’s impossible to see them catching up to Liverpool. This is especially true with the current squad.
This makes the latest Arteta antics alarming. His words are not only tone-deaf but also reflect poorly on the manager. It’s important to keep confidence alive within teams. However, it’s important to set realistic expectations. Press conferences establish the approach throughout the locker room. The words from the podium will reverberate around the grounds. Messaging lives through everyone on the staff.
Full Steam Ahead for Alleged Arsenal Title Push
So when the current manager speaks about giving up an Arsenal title push. “Over my dead body,” is more than just a silly comment. Of course, no one reasonably believes Liverpool will fumble. There is a difference between not giving up and offering invalid shouts of keeping the course.
It isn’t as much about the Premier League point gap. Instead, the on-pitch performances aren’t anywhere near good enough. Nothing currently warrants a true Arsenal title push consideration. Regardless, Arteta implies that finishing first place is well within his control. This is obviously not the case. More importantly, the factors in his control are markedly short of the mark.
Yes, losing players like Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka affects things. But teams shouldn’t be overly dependent on individuals. The extent of the drop-off fans are seeing is concerning. The attack looks too poor. Furthermore, the side can’t consistently build a credible attempt on goal.
Rather than worrying about a well-out-of-hand Arsenal title push, the Gunners need to improve in this clear area of concern. The ball must find itself more often in advanced places on the pitch. And when it does get there, the players must be more dangerous in the final third.
Internal Shift Needed
Winning it all is still mathematically possible, sure. But believing and internalizing that it’s something of a contest is silly. This side is far from mounting a serious threat to the Premier League trophy. And certainly too far to interrupt a reporter asking a question with a nonsensical movie-like quote.
Mikel Arteta added that he’d “go home” if he didn’t believe in overtaking the league leaders for this Arsenal title push. This borders on delusion. This team dropped too many results earlier in the season. These halfway-fighting words are now meaningless.
Instead, the team needs to be honest with themselves. Furthermore, the players would get more from honest public feedback. No one would expect him to share the specifics. It would be unfair to ask for tactical breakdowns. But he’s this platform to give false reassurance. He speaks of a continued fight that is lost.
Clubs should enter each match expecting to win. That’s where the focus should be. Arsenal’s only taking a week-to-week approach will benefit the club better. They need to worry about preparing for each matchday as it comes. It’s time to forget the full picture. The Arsenal title push is over. Mikel Arteta needs to acknowledge it.
