Mikel Arteta's future at Arsenal is under increasing scrutiny following the club's Champions League exit at the hands of PSG, but three former Gunners have backed him
14:51, 08 May 2025Updated 15:15, 08 May 2025
Mikel Arteta looking disappointed
Mikel Arteta is under pressure at Arsenal(Image: Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta is feeling the heat at Arsenal for the first time in years after a gut-wrenching Champions League knockout at the hands of PSG.
The loss has sparked fierce debate about whether Arteta, 43, should stay at the helm, especially as the Gunners have been left trophyless for five seasons now. But it's interesting to note that a trio of ex-Arsenal stars have thrown their weight behind the manager, adamant that he's earned the right to carry on with his Emirates Stadium project.
Back in January, Alan Smith didn't sugar-coat the sting of potentially missing out on the Premier League title, calling it "a bitter blow". However, he backed Arteta and his squad to rebound and "achieve great things".
"The squad is still young, learning all the time from victories and mistakes. It's a process," the Gunners legend told 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 continued. "The owners won't make a knee-jerk decision. Yes, there's dissatisfaction among some fans, but the club is unlikely to react hastily."
In the same vein, Jeremie Aliadiere threw his support behind Arteta, telling him to "ignore social media" and assuring that Arteta is the man to take Arsenal to the top. Speaking to the Express in March, the Frenchman said: "Arteta is the main to lead Arsenal forward.
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Arteta and Arsenal's players applaud the fans at full time after getting knocked out the Champions League by PSG
Arsenal have now gone five full seasons without a major trophy(Image: Getty Images)
"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."
After Arsenal's semi-final first leg defeat to PSG last month, ex-Gunners keeper and Invincibles legend Jens Lehmann took aim at Arteta's detractors, but admitted the Spaniard needed to end the club's wait for silverware soon. "You have to give a lot of credit to him," Lehmann told talkSPORT.
"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.," he said. "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.
Jens Lehmann
Jens Lehmann reached the Champions League final with Arsenal in 2006(Image: Getty Images)
"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."
Despite transforming Arsenal into a force to be reckoned with in England and Europe since taking the reins in December 2019, Arteta's only major trophy remains the FA Cup, which he won just months into his tenure. The clock is now ticking for him to turn progress into tangible success, with fans beginning to grow impatient.
This season's Champions League campaign marked Arsenal's most impressive run since 2009. A whopping 5-1 aggregate triumph over Real Madrid in the quarter-finals ignited real belief of finally clinching that elusive Champions League trophy.
Mikel Arteta lifts the FA Cup
Mikel Arteta has still only won one trophy at Arsenal - the FA Cup in 2020(Image: Getty Images)
But, their dreams were shattered in the semi-finals as PSG outfoxed the Gunners, bagging a 3-1 aggregate victory and securing their place in the final at the Allianz Arena against Inter Milan.
As summer looms, attention will inevitably swing back to the Premier League, where Arsenal are once again gunning to break their two-decade-long title drought. After playing second fiddle to Pep Guardiola's Manchester City for two consecutive seasons, the 2024/25 campaign seemed like their golden opportunity - particularly with City showing rare signs of inconsistency.
Injuries have undoubtedly thrown a spanner in Arsenal's works, but their ongoing hesitation to bring in a top striker remains a hot topic. This choice may have cost them dearly in key moments, however, with reports of a new forward being prioritised ahead of next season, the squad could be in for a much-needed lift in their quest for major silverware.
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But with increased firepower comes heightened expectations. And if Arteta keeps coming up short in crunch time, the goodwill he currently enjoys - including from Arsenal old boys - might start to fade.