For the first time in years, Mikel Arteta's future at Arsenal is being questioned following the team's painful Champions League elimination by PSG. The result means the Gunners have gone five seasons without a trophy, sparking debate about whether Arteta is still the right man to take the club forward.
Despite the noise surrounding his future, three ex-Arsenal stars have come out in support of the Spaniard, arguing that he should remain in charge and continue building his project at the Emirates Stadium. Alan Smith, speaking back in January, acknowledged that not winning the Premier League would be "a bitter blow", but backed Arteta to regroup and "achieve great things".
"The squad is still young, learning all the time from victories and mistakes. It's a process," Smith explained to Bonus Code Bets. "Of course, the team needs reinforcements - there's always room to freshen things up. But the core of this team can still achieve great things.
"I don't think Arteta's job is in danger," he added. "The owners won't make a knee-jerk decision. Yes, there's dissatisfaction among some fans, but the club is unlikely to react hastily."
Likewise, Jeremie Aliadiere voiced his confidence in Arteta's leadership and urged him to "ignore social media". In a March interview with the Express, the former forward said: "Arteta is the man to lead Arsenal forward.
"You look at what he has changed at the club, the positivity, the fanbase is more engaged. The recruitment has been very good. Arsenal are challenging for all major honours. Arsenal have been so close, but it’s getting over the line which matters and Mikel can do this."
Following Arsenal's first-leg loss to PSG in the semi-finals, former goalkeeper and Invincibles member Jens Lehmann hit out at the criticism levelled at Arteta, though admitting he must "win next year". He told talkSPORT: "You have to give a lot of credit to him.
"He pulled himself out, he changed the team and now he has made them very stable, and stable at the top, which is fantastic for the current owner, because he generates the money. But obviously, he has to win next year. This year, they could have won [the Premier League], Manchester City dropped a little bit, Liverpool replaced them.
"Next year he has to win, but he probably needs to change his personality a little bit to win things. Because sometimes, it's [about] control and being cautious. But if you want to win some things, in my opinion you could be a little more risky."
Arteta and Arsenal's players applaud the fans at full time after getting knocked out the Champions League by PSG
Arsenal's Champions League elimination means the club have now gone five seasons without a trophy (Image: Getty Images)
Since taking over in December 2019, Arteta has managed to lift just the FA Cup - a feat he achieved a few months into his tenure. Although he's restored the club's competitive edge both domestically and in Europe, tangible success has remained elusive.
This season marked Arsenal's joint-best run in the Champions League since 2006 - and the first time they'd reached the last four since 2009. An emphatic quarter-final triumph over Real Madrid sparked genuine hope that this could be Arsenal's year, but PSG dashed those dreams with a 3-1 aggregate win, booking their place in the final against Inter Milan at the Allianz Arena.
Attention now turns back to the Premier League, where Arsenal will try again to capture a title they haven't won in more than two decades. After narrowly missing out to Manchester City for two consecutive seasons, this campaign seemed their best shot - especially given City's inconsistent form.
Jens Lehmann
Jens Lehmann has opened up on his time with Arsenal (Image: Getty Images)
Injuries played a role in derailing Arsenal's momentum, but their failure to sign a top-class striker is still a point of contention. That's expected to change in the upcoming window, with reports indicating a new frontman will be signed no matter what.
It could be a potential game-changer in terms of landing silverware. Still, expectations will inevitably increase. And if Arteta fails to deliver again in key moments, even the backing he's received from former players might start to wane.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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