Is Mikel Arteta Leaving Arsenal? Will Arsenal sack him After Another Trophyless Season?

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As the 2024-25 season nears its conclusion, questions have resurfaced about Mikel Arteta's future at Arsenal.

Since his appointment in 2019, Arteta has overseen a period of transformation and growth. However, despite Arsenal's impressive performances in recent years, their lack of silverware has reignited debate among fans and pundits about whether Arteta is the right manager to lead the Gunners to major success.

How Arsenal Performed Under Arteta Over the Years?

Mikel Arteta became Arsenal’s manager in December 2019, taking over a team struggling under Unai Emery. As a former Arsenal midfielder, he introduced a structured, possession-oriented style. His early success included winning the FA Cup in 2020 against Chelsea, a highlight that boosted optimism. However, his first two seasons were challenging, with Arsenal finishing eighth in the Premier League in both 2019-20 and 2020-21. Since then, Arteta has rebuilt the squad with signings like Martin Ødegaard, Declan Rice, and Gabriel Magalhães, turning Arsenal into consistent title contenders. The team secured second place in the Premier League in 2022-23 and 2023-24, earning 84 and 89 points, respectively. In the 2024-25 season, Arsenal are on track to finish second again, trailing Liverpool by 15 points. Despite a strong Champions League campaign, their semi-final exit to PSG marked another season without a trophy.

What Pundits Are Saying on Arteta's Tactics and His Future?

Arteta's tactical setup emphasizes structure, control, and defensive discipline. Arsenal consistently perform well in underlying metrics like expected goals and expected goal difference, indicating effective chance creation and limitation. However, this controlled approach has exposed a key vulnerability: a lack of adaptability. When faced with tactical surprises, poor refereeing, or unexpected opposition performances, Arsenal have struggled to adjust. Critics argue that Arteta's rigidity and meticulous pre-game planning sometimes hinder in-game pragmatism.

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel labeled Arteta a "control freak," suggesting his micromanagement negatively impacts players. Schmeichel stated, "He's confusing the hell out of his players and making them worse," attributing Arsenal's shortcomings to Arteta's over-controlling style.

Roy Keane, another former Manchester United player, expressed concerns about Arsenal's mentality after a 2-2 draw against Liverpool earlier this season. He said, "I'm starting to worry about Arsenal's mentality now. When they get themselves in front, they sit back, instead of going for the third goal." He questioned whether the team has the belief needed to challenge for major titles.

After the Champions League semi-final exit against PSG, Arteta claimed Arsenal were the "better team" over the two legs. This drew criticism from pundit Jason Cundy, who called the statement "deluded." PSG manager Luis Enrique also dismissed the claim, emphasizing that scoring more goals is what matters.

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher predicts that failure to win a trophy next season could lead Arsenal to consider sacking Arteta, though he acknowledges the progress made under his guidance.

What Is Arteta’s Future at Arsenal? Will Arsenal Sack Arteta After Another Trophyless Season?

While Mikel Arteta's limitations have been exposed in high-pressure scenarios, his overall impact at Arsenal remains overwhelmingly positive. Sacking him would be a drastic decision. Under his leadership, Arsenal have evolved from a Europa League-level side to a team consistently competing at the top of the Premier League and in Europe.

Sources confirm there are no immediate plans to sack him, with the board viewing Arteta as integral to the club’s long-term project. The board appears to support him, reportedly preparing for a significant summer transfer window. Targets include prolific forwards like Viktor Gyökeres, as well as creative and versatile midfielders such as Martin Zubimendi and Nico Williams.

Sacking Arteta now could undo years of progress and risk destabilizing a squad that is just a few key pieces away from silverware. However, after five trophyless seasons, if he fails to win a major trophy by the end of the 2025-26 season, even his substantial achievements may not save him from the sack.