Mikel Arteta Under Pressure as Arsenal Risk Losing Ground to Manchester City

Arsenal's Frustrations

For Arsenal, the disappointment is compounded. Arteta, who expressed anguish after City scored a last-minute equalizer in their recent encounter, had reason to believe that the absence of key players during that match was a mitigating factor. This time, however, his squad was intact, and they were poised for a crucial victory. Yet, a critical defensive error from Jakub Kiwior allowed Mohamed Salah to score late in the game, deflating the Emirates crowd and their aspirations for a title challenge.

October is not the ideal time to be trailing City by five points, especially given Arsenal's previous season when they held an eight-point lead over City in March, only to finish five points behind by the end of the season. This year, the team's inconsistency is troubling; with only two wins in their last five league games, they are starting to look like a collection of players struggling with injuries and form. The potential absence of Martin Ødegaard and Gabriel Magalhães due to injury could significantly weaken their campaign.

Arteta's Tactical Choices

Arteta's tactical choices are now under the microscope, particularly after Jamie Carragher suggested he resembles a Mourinho-style manager rather than Guardiola’s true heir. Carragher’s assessment may sting, especially considering Arteta's coaching pedigree under Guardiola. The criticism stems from Arsenal’s tendency to retreat defensively after taking a lead, a hallmark of Mourinho’s tactics. After leading twice against Liverpool, Arsenal’s decision to play conservatively rather than continue their attacking approach raised questions about their mentality.

Bukayo Saka, who scored Arsenal's opener, acknowledged the team’s failure to maintain momentum, indicating a need for a more aggressive approach if they wish to compete with City.

Liverpool's Resilience

While Arsenal appears to be losing ground, Liverpool, under Slot, has shown a greater determination to challenge City. Although they dropped points for the first time on the road this season, their refusal to accept defeat and the relentless efforts from players like Mohamed Salah and Darwin Núñez signal a potential threat to City’s dominance. Salah's knack for scoring against Arsenal—this marked his eighth consecutive season scoring against them—demonstrates his importance in crucial matches.

Slot, lacking the extensive experience of facing Guardiola that Arteta has, remains optimistic about Liverpool's ability to challenge for the title. His team’s resilience and tenacity may give them an edge in the long haul.

The Road Ahead

As Arsenal navigates a challenging season, the pressure mounts for Arteta to deliver results and instill confidence in his players. With City’s impressive adaptability and relentless pursuit of victory, the title race could be slipping out of reach if Arsenal cannot find consistency and regain their attacking flair. Meanwhile, Liverpool's performances suggest they could emerge as serious contenders, leaving Arsenal with little room for error as the season progresses.

Ultimately, the next few weeks will be critical for Arteta and his squad. The looming specter of Manchester City and the resurgence of Liverpool require a collective response if Arsenal hopes to avoid being cut adrift in the title race.