Edu Gaspar’s recent resignation as Arsenal sporting director will have enormous ramifications at the Emirates Stadium.
Edu Gaspar stepped down as Arsenal sporting director earlier this week, opting to pursue a new venture with Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis.
Mikel Arteta made a touching statement about Edu after his departure was officially confirmed. The Spanish coach and the Brazilian worked together very closely and successfully in North London.
The Gunners will now begin the hunt for a new sporting director, whilst Arteta will quickly have to get used to his new working arrangement.
- READ MORE: Who is Edu Gaspar? Everything you need to know about the ex-Arsenal player turned director
Mikel Arteta warned about impact of Edu Gaspar’s Arsenal exit
In some ways, Edu’s exit has weakened Arteta’s position at Arsenal, as the former midfielder was a strong ally to the manager. Edu even shielded Arteta when his position at Arsenal came under pressure earlier in his tenure.
In other ways, though, the manager has never held as much power before. Arteta was already hard to question at Arsenal, but Edu was one of the few who could really challenge him.
As such, journalist David Ornstein is convinced that the sporting director’s decision to leave the club has put another layer of pressure on Arteta.
Speaking on The Athletic FC podcast, the reporter said: “This does, whether we like it or not, certainly in the public eye, put increasing emphasis on Mikel Arteta. He’s just signed a new contract, he’s committed his future to Arsenal, and really now it’s time to deliver.
“They’ve recruited heavily… He’s been there a fair amount of time. It’s his squad. It’s his club… This is really on him.”
Can Mikel Arteta win the Premier League with Arsenal?
Arsenal have been tipped to win the Premier League title this season. However, they have already fallen off the pace being set by Liverpool and Manchester City at the top of the table.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  LiverpoolLiverpool | 10 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 19 | 6 | 13 | 25 |
| 2 |  Man CityManchester City | 10 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 21 | 11 | 10 | 23 |
| 3 |  Nottm ForestNottingham Forest | 10 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 14 | 7 | 7 | 19 |
| 4 |  ChelseaChelsea | 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 20 | 12 | 8 | 18 |
| 5 |  ArsenalArsenal | 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 17 | 11 | 6 | 18 |
| 6 |  Aston VillaAston Villa | 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 17 | 15 | 2 | 18 |
| 7 |  TottenhamTottenham | 10 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 22 | 11 | 11 | 16 |
| 8 |  BrightonBrighton | 10 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 17 | 14 | 3 | 16 |
The Gunners have been in woeful form of late, and whilst there is still time for them to turn things around, their margin for error is now perilously slim.
Thierry Henry believes Arsenal have to beat Chelsea when the two sides meet at Stamford Bridge on Sunday in order to keep their title dream alive.
Arsenal have finished as runners up in the top flight of English football in each of the last two seasons. If they were to fall out of the Premier League title race before Christmas this season, then it would be seen as an enormous backwards step.
In that scenario, pressure would surely mount on Arteta. This time, though, he won’t have Edu around to protect his position.
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