Arsenal vs Slavia Prague: Mikel Arteta running out of chances

Mikel Arteta’s appointment as Arsenal boss was one that inspired hope as well as polarized opinion. His supporters claimed that he would be an excellent manager. He had learned from and worked with the very best coaches in the game, such as Arsene Wenger and Pep Guardiola (and David Moyes, of course).

Others cited his lack of experience worrying, especially in the fickle environment of football that harshly punishes those who are unprepared.

Over a year later, Arteta has yet to bring this Arsenal team back to where it wants to be. Granted, a rebuild was never going to be completed in one year. Everyone knew it would take time. The frustrations, then, arise from the lack of improvement with the current squad and from Arteta’s comments after games.

After defeats and particularly during the Mesut Ozil situation, Arteta was quick to jump in front of the bullets of the press. He continuously takes blame, insisting that it is his responsibility to get the best out of the players and to win Premier League – and the rest – games and that it is his fault when they lose. What is the point of making such comments if nothing changes?

Arsenal vs Slavia Prague: Mikel Arteta running out of chances ahead of Europa League quarter-final

Everyone at the club and fans around the world know it’s his job to work with what he has. Everyone knows that it’s his responsibility to compete with the best. As of yet, there is much to be desired. The club hierarchy have shown faith in the young manager, supporting him financially as well as verbally. Arteta is running out of chances.

Knocked out of the FA Cup early in the season and picked apart in the league every other week means that Arsenal only have the Europa League to play for. Given the blunt and lethargic performance on the weekend, Arsenal may very well have no European football next year.

In the press conference before the fixture with Slavia Prague, Arteta came out and said on the official Arsenal website:

"“Sometimes a punch or a big slap in the face is a good thing to go back to reality.”"

The fact of the matter is that the squad has suffered too many slaps in the face. Liverpool is only the most recent one. Weak performances against Aston Villa, the drubbing by Manchester City in the Carabao Cup, the naive display against Tottenham away are all defeats that should have woken up this Arsenal squad.

These games, however, have done not changed anything. Players have not stepped up. Captains have not led. Coaches have not inspired. Unfortunately for Arteta, he may just be one punch away from being knocked out.