Five biggest red flags to show Arsenal should scrap Mikel Arteta and Edu project

Arsenal appointed a fresh-faced Mikel Arteta as manager almost two years ago expecting a clear philosophy, change in culture and a return to the top-four.

The 39-year-old provided plenty to be optimistic about in his first season as the team looked rejuvenated and even won the FA Cup.

But since the beginning of last season, the same issues have persistently haunted the Gunners and prevented them from overcoming far lesser Premier League sides.

It appears those issues have not been addressed, or there is a clear misunderstanding between the manager’s requests and what the players can carry out, with three abysmal performances coming in their last four games.

And while the manager has the ability to ooze confidence in his interviews and has the backing of technical director Edu, an increasing number of the Arsenal faithful have detected several red flags which could signal that it is indeed Arteta’s ‘time to go’.

Daily Star Sport looks at five of the biggest red flags involving Arteta’s Arsenal.

Not implementing tactical instructions

The players this season appear no closer to understanding, or at least executing, the Spaniard’s instructions.

Most notably, Arsenal’s proficiency when pressing has gone backwards since Arteta’s first season, with players either pressing in isolation or not at all, which in turn allows opposition teams control.

What is Mikel Arteta's biggest problem he must deal with right now at Arsenal? Let us know in the comments section.

Defender Ben White was caught in Everton’s half when the Gunners lost possession on Monday, but rather than immediately pressing he was caught in two minds, allowing Everton to launch a well-executed counter-attack and score.

Shift in mentality needed

Arsenal have been known for their lack of mental strength and defensive stability ever since the likes of Patrick Vieira left the club.

But under Arteta, the Gunners have adopted the bizarre trait of not believing in their capabilities going forward, resulting in the side sitting back for long periods throughout matches and inviting pressure.

That inevitably leads to the opposition gaining momentum and launching a comeback, as shown in the recent losses against Man United and Everton.

Big games big losses

Another part of Arsenal’s game where they have regressed over Arteta’s tenure is the lack of fight against big teams.

In his first season in charge, the former midfielder helped his side overcome teams like Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool on the way to winning the FA Cup and Community shield.

These days, Arsenal are lucky to get away with just losing against the top English clubs, having conceded 14 already this season against the top-four clubs from last season.

Midfield balance

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Arsenal under Arsene Wenger always had one thing going for them – an array of talented, technically adept midfielders who dominated possession and created chances.

That largely diminished after the Frenchman’s departure through no fault of Arteta’s, but the Spaniard has failed to rectify the problem despite being given greater funds than his predecessors.

Thomas Partey has struggled, albeit partly due to injury, in Arteta's system in comparison to his Atletico days, while the manager is still yet to find a truly capable midfield partner for the Ghanaian despite signing youngster Albert Sambi Lokonga in the summer.

Poor substitutions

Arteta’s reign is best characterised by baffling substitutions when matches have been on the verge of swinging away from his side.

That was displayed at Goodison Park where he replaced the exhilarating Gabriel Martinelli with Eddie Nketiah, who is expected to leave in the summer.

Even more baffling was his decision to choose Nketiah over captain and primary goal-scoring threat Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who was left on the bench until later in the match.

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