Mikel Arteta is said to be doubting his plans after the 3-2 defeat in the Arsenal vs Man Utd clash at Emirates.
Mikel Arteta In Panic Mode After Arsenal vs Man Utd Clash
Arsenal were ready for the Premier League clash with Manchester United. They were carrying confidence, momentum, and huge expectations. For weeks, the talk around the club was not just about winning the league but about something bigger. Many believed this Gunners’ side could chase a historic quadruple and even match legendary teams from the past.
Some fans and pundits went as far as comparing them to the iconic Man Utd side of 2007–08 as well. But, football as a sport has a way of exposing reality quickly. On Sunday, Arsenal did not look like a team chasing history, they looked like a team shaken by pressure.
Before kickoff, the numbers were in Arsenal’s favour. They were unbeaten at home all season and sitting comfortably at the top of the Premier League table. A win would have pushed their lead back to seven points and sent a clear message to rivals.
Instead, the Red Devils arrived at the Emirates with a plan and executed it with discipline. United stayed compact and waited for the right moments. They struck with purpose whenever they had the ball. Their approach frustrated the Gunners and slowed their rhythm. With that, it forced the home team to make mistakes under pressure.
The 3-2 defeat was not just another bad day. It changed the mood around the North London club. The title race suddenly felt open again. The battle for Champions League spots became more intense as well. More importantly, doubts that had been hidden under Arsenal’s strong results are now clearly seen. The Emirates was once a place of confidence, but it was tensed this time. Even when Arsenal took the lead, the crowd seemed nervous rather than excited.
For Arteta, this was not just a loss. It was a moment that exposed cracks in a team that had looked almost unbeatable. The result forced everyone to rethink how strong Arsenal really are and how much work still lies ahead.
Attacking Struggles and Tactical Doubts Around Arteta
The biggest worry for Arsenal is not just the scoreline but what it revealed about their attack. Several key players are struggling to score goals in big games. That problem is growing week by week for the Gunners. Bukayo Saka has gone thirteen games without finding the net in all competitions. Gabriel Martinelli has not scored in thirteen Premier League matches. Noni Madueke’s drought is even longer, stretching to twenty-five league games.
Meanwhile, Viktor Gyokeres was brought in as a major signing. But, he has not scored from open play in the league since his strike against Nottingham Forest months ago. Even Leandro Trossard, known for decisive goals, has managed only one goal in eleven games.
These numbers tell a worrying story. It shows that the North London side are not creating enough clear chances. And when chances come, they are not being taken. Much of their recent success has depended heavily on set pieces rather than attacking play. Against Man Utd, that weakness was hard to ignore. They struggled to control the game with the ball. They often looked unsure about how to break down the well-organised United defence.
Arteta’s reaction during the match added to the doubts. Just before the hour mark, he made four substitutions at once. It was supposed to look like a calculated move. But, it felt like a desperate attempt to change the game without a clear plan. It gave the sign that the coach was searching for solutions rather than executing one. For a manager praised for structure and control, that moment raised doubts over his ideas under pressure.
Emirates Fear, United’s Rise, and a Season That Just Changed
As a former player, Arteta knows how much the club’s identity matters to the fans. Over time, he has tried to reshape the mood at the Emirates. He pushed for changes on matchdays. He has gone from music traditions to stadium rituals, all aimed at turning the ground into a tough place for opponents. His goal was to create a sense of unity and fear for visiting teams. But, the match against Man United showed a different reality.
Instead of confidence, fear dominated the stadium. Even when Arsenal led 1–0, the crowd sounded anxious. Years of disappointment have shaped the mindset of many supporters. United played with calm and belief, while Arsenal looked tense and rushed.
This match also highlighted how far Man United have come in a very short time. Despite criticism directed at the club’s leadership and decisions, several recent signings have changed the team. Three players brought in over the last twelve months played decisive roles at the Emirates. Matheus Cunha, Patrick Dorgu and Bryan Mbeumo were all heavily involved in the win. With Dorgu and Cunha scoring stunning goals that turned the game on its head. Their impact showed that Man Utd are no longer a rebuilding side. Now, the Red Devils are a team capable of competing at the highest level again.
For Arteta, this was a moment of truth. It may not define his entire project, but it exposed the limits of Arsenal’s current version. The team that looked unstoppable now appears vulnerable. That said, the 205/26 Premier League title race is alive again.
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