It’s been a familiar story for Arsenal and their manager Mikel Arteta — finishing second again.
This time around, the stakes feel even higher, and Arteta’s recent comments suggest the cracks might be starting to show.
Last year, Arteta inspired hope with his words after Arsenal finished runners-up behind Manchester City.
He spoke with optimism, telling fans, “Don’t be satisfied.
We want more than that.” That message, paired with a beautiful black and white video from the club’s social media, encouraged supporters to keep believing in the journey.
But three years running in second place is a bitter pill, especially since Arsenal haven’t experienced such a streak since the early 2000s, when Manchester United dominated the league.
This season, Arteta hinted that the responsibility for change might lie with the club’s board rather than with the players.
Arteta’s Tactless Comment About “The Ones Upstairs” Rings Alarm Bells
In a TV interview, Arteta told his players to enjoy the offseason but urged them to trust that “the ones upstairs do what they have to do.”
That’s a pretty bold statement given the £600 million already spent during his tenure.
If he wants to understand the challenges of leadership and decision-making at the top, Arteta could look across the Atlantic to Denver, Colorado.
Arsenal co-owner Josh Kroenke recently made waves by firing his NBA coach Mike Malone just before the playoffs, showing he’s not afraid to make tough calls when necessary.
Josh Kroenke’s Bold Move in Denver Offers a Lesson for Arsenal’s Future
Josh Kroenke’s decision shocked basketball fans. Malone was beloved, having led the Denver Nuggets to their first NBA title in 2023.
Yet, Kroenke acted decisively, removing Malone and the team’s general manager because of their deteriorating relationship and the need to maintain harmony within the organization.
This move, risky as it was, paid off somewhat — the Nuggets pushed through the playoffs harder than anyone expected afterward.
It revealed Kroenke as a pragmatic leader who understands sports deeply, unlike the stereotypical “rich owner” image.
What This Means for Arsenal and Arteta’s Position
The “ones upstairs” at Arsenal are more than just the distant Stan Kroenke, who rarely visited the club and once charged a consultancy fee.
Josh Kroenke, the co-chairman, is closely involved and surely feels the sting of another missed Premier League title.
Some pundits have already speculated on Arteta’s future. Ray Parlour suggested Arteta might be gone by Christmas if the club doesn’t progress, while Graeme Souness has been even more direct: if Arsenal sign a new striker but still don’t deliver, Arteta’s time could be up.
Josh Kroenke Promises Investment but Demands Results
Kroenke’s recent letter to fans acknowledged the club’s shortcomings plainly.
“We’ve fallen short,” he wrote, pointing the finger at the club as a whole — including the manager.
Arteta’s comments from last year, where he suggested 100 points might be needed to win the league, now look overly optimistic.
This season, despite rivals’ struggles, Arsenal haven’t even managed 75 points.
A Quick Detour Into Everton’s New Stadium Sponsorship and What It Means
On a lighter note, Everton fans are getting used to their new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium’s unusual sponsorship deal with local law firm Hill Dickinson. It’s not as glamorous as Emirates or Spotify, but it preserves the club’s local connection, a key part of Everton’s identity.
Spurs Fans Bring Energy with New Europa League Anthem
Meanwhile, Tottenham fans are gearing up for the Europa Leagu..e final with a new song, “To Dare is to Do.”
It’s not the most lyrically rich chant, but the involvement of music industry heavyweights and proceeds going to charity shows the passion Spurs fans still bring after a tough season.
Shoutout to Southend United Fans for Their Resilience
Lastly, a heartfelt nod to Southend United fans. The club has endured ownership troubles but their fans have been a constant source of strength.
As Southend prepare for a National League playoff semi-final, the dedication of supporters like Liam Ager and Brenda Smith reminds us why football is more than just the big leagues.