Despite securing a second-place finish in the Premier League and Champions League qualification for the third consecutive season, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta finds himself under increasing scrutiny over his lack of silverware.
The Gunners’ 1-0 victory over Newcastle United confirmed their place in Europe’s elite competition next season, yet the mood around the Emirates remains mixed.
While some fans applaud the team’s progress under Arteta, others—including former Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi—believe the Spaniard’s tenure has fallen short of expectations.
Since taking charge in 2019, Arteta has overseen a major squad overhaul, spending over €700 million on new signings. Despite this investment, his only major trophy remains the 2020 FA Cup.
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This season, Arsenal missed key opportunities, finishing behind an inconsistent Manchester City side and suffering Champions League and domestic cup disappointments.
Mikel Obi, a former Chelsea midfielder, has been vocal in his criticism, arguing that Arteta’s time and resources should have yielded more.
“It’s about winning trophies, yes he got there, but he didn’t get them over the line. It’s the same thing, he always comes second,” Mikel said.
Mikel Obi
“It is always next season about Arsenal, and now we are talking about next season. Now he wants to spend again in the summer. He’s spent €700-800 million over six years, that’s a lot of money.
“Arteta has been there for the past six-seven years. These are his players, this is his team, so he has not excuses.
“For somebody who has been there for that long and spent so much money and just winning just one FA Cup, that’s not enough.”
However, Arteta’s supporters point to the club’s upward trajectory—transforming from mid-table uncertainty to consistent title challengers.
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The debate now centers on whether progress without trophies is acceptable for a club of Arsenal’s stature, or if Arteta’s project needs to deliver tangible success soon.
With another summer of spending expected, pressure is mounting on the Arsenal boss to turn promise into prizes—or face growing calls for change.
