Arsenal have endured a difficult 2024/25 season, and Mikel Arteta is subsequently under pressure to deliver silverware to the Emirates next year.
The Gunners missed out on the Premier League title, and are set to finish between 12 and 15 points behind winners Liverpool.
Despite enjoying their best Champions League run since 2009, the campaign will ultimately be looked at with disappointment, as it’s now five years since the North Londoners have won a trophy.
Calls for Arteta to be sacked have surfaced since being knocked out of Europe by Paris Saint-Germain, but the Spaniard certainly still has the trust of his players.
Ben White praises ‘detailed’ Mikel Arteta
Thomas Vermaelen defended Arteta, his former teammate, after the manager faced recent criticism for not delivering a major honour to N5.
There is a feeling in some quarters that Pep Guardiola’s disciple has reached his ceiling as a coach, although his ex-teammates and current players still seem to hold complete faith in him.
Asked in an interview with Sky Sports to describe Arteta in one word, Arsenal defender Ben White responded with ‘detail’, before waxing lyrical about the 43-year-old’s coaching.
“He has so much information on the game,” he said.
“I wouldn’t even be able to tell you how much we all go into before a game, in every single detail, which obviously makes the game so much easier because you know what’s going on, and what’s going to happen so, yeah, the detail is crazy.
“I think he’s probably the most detailed manager I’ve played under. He’s helped me massively to improve.”
Asked if Arteta has always been as meticulous as he is now, White replied: “Yeah, I think it was a lot to start with and then I think it’s got more and more, every season it’s got higher and higher.
“So yeah, he’s a machine, I don’t think he ever stops. He’s constantly looking for more.”
Arsenal need to back Mikel Arteta in the transfer window
White’s comments speak volumes; Arteta is one of the most talented coaches in world football and silverware should arrive if the Gunners trust the process under him.
However, he’s unlikely to achieve what Arsenal want him to without proper financial backing in the transfer window.
The North London outfit are crying out for an injection of star quality in their forward line, with the current crop of attackers available to Arteta not quite at the level.
Rodrygo has been linked with Arsenal, and the Brazilian would certainly be an exceptional acquisition that could make a major impact.
However, a prolific striker is also needed, as is a creative midfielder and a versatile defender.
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