Pressure is mildly building on Mikel Arteta amid Arsenal’s sticky patch of form this season.
It’s been three Premier League games without a goal from open play for the Gunners, whose attacking efficiency has been questioned of late.
Thierry Henry blasted Gabriel Martinelli for his lack of recent form, with the Brazilian being one of several players who have disappointed so far this term.
Some believe that pressure is beginning to mount on Arteta, who has full faith in his squad despite a lapse in quality.
Alan Smith shares verdict on Mikel Arteta pressure
Given how much the Arsenal squad have progressed since Arteta took charge, it’s remarkable to consider that some have doubts about the Spaniard.
With Arne Slot’s Liverpool and Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea sitting above the Gunners in the league table, questions have been asked about the direction of Arteta’s side.
While the idea of Arteta leaving Arsenal seems a million miles away, it’s something that has triggered thought in the Spaniard’s non-believers.
As worried as some are, it’s incredibly unlikely that the Gunners would part ways with their manager anytime soon, considering that Arteta would get £26m if his contract was terminated.
Speaking on the pressure surrounding Arteta prior to Arsenal’s EFL Cup clash against Crystal Palace, former Gunner Alan Smith was prompted to share his verdict on the manager.
“I don’t know where the demand is building, probably on social media where it always comes first but it’s been a difficult spell hasn’t it?” Smith said on Sky Sports.
“Obviously questions will be asked and with Liverpool having a nice comfortable gap on them and they’re not playing as well as they can. They’ve got to turn it around pretty quickly,” the Arsenal legend warned.
Liverpool currently have a six point lead on Arsenal, plus a game in hand that could come of use later in the season, warranting Smith’s call for the squad to step up.
Given how closely the Gunners matched Manchester City last term, it’s been quite a wake up call to see Arteta’s side lose pace slightly early into the 2024/25 calendar.
Are Arsenal improving?
While Smith suggested that the best is yet to come from Arsenal, fellow pundit Jobi McAnuff had some rather stern words for Arteta.
“You look at Arsenal at the moment in terms of maybe a little bit of pressure starting to build on Mikel Arteta in terms of, are they improving?
“In terms of trophies, being in the league position last year and being so close to winning it but now believe that with everything that’s happening with Man City this year, if they don’t win the league, there will be some questions if Arsenal don’t win it and there’s no other silverware.”
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  LiverpoolLiverpool | 15 | 11 | 3 | 1 | 31 | 13 | 18 | 36 |
| 2 |  ChelseaChelsea | 16 | 10 | 4 | 2 | 37 | 19 | 18 | 34 |
| 3 |  ArsenalArsenal | 16 | 8 | 6 | 2 | 29 | 15 | 14 | 30 |
| 4 |  Nottm ForestNottingham Forest | 16 | 8 | 4 | 4 | 21 | 19 | 2 | 28 |
| 5 |  Man CityManchester City | 16 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 28 | 23 | 5 | 27 |
Progression isn’t only seen through silverware although, it would certainly help Arteta’s case this season.
It’s an unfortunate situation for the Arsenal manager, who is experiencing external pressure due to the fact that two Premier League debutants are above him in the league, despite being almost five years into his project.
As Smith stressed, Arsenal haven’t hit their best yet however, as the Premier League title race takes shape, there’s little room for additional error.
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