Arsenal: 5 factors to save Mikel Arteta's job and the season

Arsenal: 5 factors to save Mikel Arteta’s job and the season

Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta gestures from the sidelines during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and West Bromwich Albion at the Emirates Stadium in London on May 9, 2021. - - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Richard Heathcote / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by RICHARD HEATHCOTE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

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LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 19: Thomas Partey of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal at Selhurst Park on May 19, 2021 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images) /

3. So Much Rests on Thomas Partey

A lot of this is out of Arteta’s control as the perennially crocked Thomas Partey boasts a shadow that could injure him.

Already the baffling tactical calls to drain the midfield and leave Sambi unattended against Chelsea and Granit Xhaka likewise against Manchester City were illogical reactions borne out of not having the Ghanaian available.

Sambi has shown glimpses of his on-the-ball ability but still lacks the spatial awareness and defensive reactions to track runners and cover spaces, traits Partey excels in.

Not signing another midfielder will come back to bite Arteta in the backside if Partey falls foul to further setbacks over the course of the season. Sadly, they feel inevitable. And when the do come around there is nobody of his calibre to pick up the pieces, or at least fill in adequately.

This isn’t to say he’s a saviour of any sorts. There is no shirking that the 28-year-old had a disappointing season last term as form and fitness deserted him. He is, however, still well and by far the best central midfielder at the club.

Lose him for long stretches of the season and even if it’s beyond Arteta’s control, his grip on the job will loosen entirely.

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