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Arteta's Arsenal: Can They Overcome the 'Nearly Man' Label?

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Mikel Arteta's Arsenal team has shown promise, but can he finally deliver against top opponents like Real Madrid? We examine Arteta's record and the challenges he faces.



Mikel Arteta's Arsenal faces a significant challenge against Real Madrid, with the chance to make history by becoming the first team to keep four consecutive clean sheets against Los Blancos in the European Cup/Champions League.


The Gunners are in a strong position to progress to the semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain, given their unbeaten record in previous meetings with Real Madrid, including a notable first leg in this quarter-final. However, the dynamics could shift dramatically if Carlo Ancelotti's team scores an early goal, potentially placing immense pressure on the North Londoners.


Staying Focused

Arsenal only need look at the way in which Borussia Dortmund took the game to Barcelona in their second leg on Tuesday night as proof that their tie still isn't over. On another night, had BVB taken all of their chances, Barca would've been dumped out of the competition thanks to a comeback that would've even surpassed the Catalans' own against PSG back in 2017. However, if Mikel Arteta's side put in a similar standard of performance as in the first leg, Arsenal will surely equal their longest winning run away from home in the European Cup/Champions League (Four – won their last three). Complacency will be Arsenal's enemy in Madrid, and maintaining their focus and performance level will be crucial.



Historic Opportunity

The only previous time Arsenal won four consecutive away games in European competition, a win against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu (1-0 in February 2006) was the fourth game of that run. This historical context adds weight to their current momentum.


Youthful Contributions

Players like Myles Lewis-Skelly are showcasing their talent, playing without fear and exuding confidence. The 18-year-old's assist in the first leg made him just the third English teenager to do so in a Champions League knockout stage match while playing for Arsenal, following in the footsteps of Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. This youthful energy could be crucial in Arsenal's bid to keep Real Madrid at bay.


Pressure to Deliver

Mikel Arteta still has a point to prove as Arsenal manager, having changed the culture and mentality in the dressing room but yet to supplement that with consistent silverware. Since taking over in December 2019, the 43-year-old Spaniard has made significant strides, but the question remains as to whether his success is defined by “trusting the process,” trophies won, or both. The 2020 FA Cup win initially suggested a new era at the Emirates Stadium, but subsequent seasons have left fans wondering if the team can fulfill its potential. With another high-stakes match against Real Madrid, Arteta's ability to deliver trophies will be under scrutiny once again.


Evaluating Arteta's Record

Almost five years into his tenure, Mikel Arteta's trophy cabinet remains relatively bare, aside from a couple of Community Shield wins. Despite narrowly missing out on the Premier League title in the 2023/24 season, losing to Manchester City by just two points, Arteta can point to impressive statistics. He's won 149 of his 253 games in charge, boasting a 58.9% win percentage. Moreover, Arsenal's goal-scoring record under Arteta has been prolific, with 484 goals scored and 247 conceded in his time so far. These numbers suggest a level of consistency and attacking flair that could be the foundation for future success.


Statistical Progress

This season, Arsenal's defensive performance has been their best under Mikel Arteta, with 41 goals conceded in all competitions. They've scored 97 goals, just six shy of equalling their second-best output under the Spaniard. The Gunners have also made significant progress in terms of wins, with 17 home victories and 28 overall, one shy of equalling their third-best record under Arteta.




Challenges Against Rivals

However, Arsenal's record against top opponents like Liverpool and Manchester City raises concerns. Arteta has faced Liverpool the most, with 14 games resulting in just two wins, six draws, and six losses. Against Manchester City, Arsenal have won only two, drawn three, and lost eight out of 13 games. The Gunners have struggled to score and conceded a significant number of goals against these rivals, scoring 13 and conceding 25. This pattern suggests Arteta still faces challenges in the biggest games, particularly against their major domestic rivals.


Performance in Big Games

Arsenal's record against major rivals like Liverpool and Manchester City raises questions about Mikel Arteta's ability to deliver in high-pressure matches. Across games against these two teams, Arsenal have scored 13 goals and conceded 25, highlighting a significant imbalance. This pattern suggests Arteta still faces challenges in the biggest games.


Referee Influence

Rather than blaming referees, Arteta might focus on improving his team's performance in crucial matches. Interestingly, Arsenal have had a relatively good record with Michael Oliver, winning 17 of 26 games under his officiating. They've also performed well under other referees, such as Jarred Gillet, with a 75% win rate. Simon Hooper has seen Arsenal win 66.7% of their games under his charge, slightly better than Oliver's rate. The focus should perhaps be on Arsenal's own performance rather than the referees.


The Weight of Responsibility

Ultimately, the manager bears the brunt of responsibility for a team's performance. While trusting the process is important, failing to deliver against major rivals in high-stakes matches exposes flaws in that process. If Arsenal falls to Real Madrid despite their promising start, the narrative of Mikel Arteta as the “nearly man” will persist. This perception would likely lead to renewed scrutiny of Arteta's suitability to lead one of English football's biggest clubs, a label he'd likely find uncomfortable.





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